Distributed feedback (DFB) semiconductor lasers emit light in a single mode which is essential to providing the carrier in long haul high bit-rate optical communication systems. This comprehensive research monograph provides: thorough analysis of the operation and design of DFB lasers a high level of tutorial discussion with many valuable appendices the first full account of time-domain numerical modelling techniques applicable to future optical systems as well as present devices Web access to a suite of MATLAB programs (student version MATLAB 4 or higher). It is essential reading for those studying optical communications at graduate and advanced under-graduate level, and a key book for industrial designers of opto-electronic devices.