A particular problem with edge-emitting laser diodes is that _____.

Edge-emitting laser diodes exhibit a phenomenon where the wavelength of the optical output is influenced by temperature changes. This relationship occurs because the properties of the semiconductor material, such as bandgap energy and refractive index, can shift with temperature variations. As the temperature rises, the energy levels within the semiconductor material can change, leading to a corresponding shift in the emitted wavelength. This temperature dependency can complicate their use in applications that require stable optical performance, as fluctuations in temperature can lead to variations in the wavelength output, which can affect the overall performance of a fiber optic system.

In contrast, the other options present challenges that are not as inherently linked to edge-emitting laser diodes. While it is widely acknowledged that high power is necessary for certain applications, it does not specifically define a problem unique to edge-emitting diodes. Similarly, while broader wavelengths may be an attribute of some laser types, edge-emitting lasers are often designed to emit at specific wavelengths with narrow distribution, focusing their energy rather than presenting a broader spectrum. Frequency dependence is also a characteristic but not as direct a challenge as temperature sensitivity.