Abstract
In this paper we present measurements of light amplification in optically pumped ZnCdSe GRINSCH (graded refraction index separate confinement heterostructures), In several differently designed samples we observe the presence of two gain mechanisms, which involve localized excitons and exciton-exciton inelastic scattering processes, respectively. The influence of the GRINSCH sample structure on gain is discussed in terms of their improved light-guiding properties.