This work presents experimental studies on the generation of short duration optical pulses with semiconductor lasers and the detection of these pulses. The generation of high- speed electrical pulses with avalanche transistors and photoconductive switches is described. An equivalent circuit model for multimode lasers was developed, which permits simulating accurately the optical response of the devide under various bias conditions. Impedance transformers of large bandwidth were also developed. Transmission lines of several types and substrates with various dielectric constants were employed. A significant improvement of the optical response of the laser to short duration current pulses was experimentally observed with the use of the transformers, compared to conventional arrangements. It was also observed a significant increase in the bandwith of high- speed photodiode systems. Results are describe on the generation of short duration optical pulses with semiconductor lasers, using the techniques of mode-locking and gain switching. Finally, alternative high-speed techniques are suggested for the measurement of the pulses generated by mode-locking, and preliminary results are presented.