Patent ID: 6870194

Claim:
An optical radiation source for generating an optical pulse, which source is a semiconductor component comprising several functionally interconnected semiconductor structures that comprise a first contact layer and a second contact layer, to which an electric pulse is connected in order to supply energy to semiconductor layers between the contact layers; an active layer and a p-n junction, which p-n junction injects carriers towards the active layer as a result of the electric pulse, the carriers pumping energy into the active layer, which active layer is arranged to emit an optical pulse as a result of the electric pulse connected to the contact layers, wherein the semiconductor component comprises a barrier layer, which is located between the active layer and the p-n junction; wherein the active layer is located between the first contact layer and the barrier layer, the layers forming potential barriers on both sides of the active layer; wherein the barrier layer is arranged to restrict the transfer of minority carriers to the active layer such that during the pulse leading edge, the carrier density in the active layer is below a threshold level required for generating an optical pulse; wherein the overall net gain in the active layer is arranged to be negative during the electric pulse leading edge to prevent generation of an optical pulse; and wherein during the pulse trailing edge, the overall net gain in the active layer is arranged to become positive and cause a stimulated emission, and the active layer is arranged to emit an optical pulse.