Conditions for the optimization of short pulse amplification and gating times in vertical cavity laser amplifiers are elucidated using femtosecond photoexcitation. The experimental results pertaining to the temporal response are analyzed by a theoretical model taking into account the carrier heating and the Fabry–Perot nature of the cavity. A 20 dB amplification gain is obtained in a vertical cavity structure at 1.53 &mgr;m with a capacity to function at a rate >25 Gb/s. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.