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Intra-cavity patterning for mode control in 1.3 μm coupled VCSEL arrays
Lukas Mutter1, Benjamin Dwir, Andrei Caliman
1Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Laboratory of Physics of Nanostructures, CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Optics Express
|March 30, 2011
Summary
We demonstrate novel 2x2 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays at 1.3 μm. These arrays feature patterned gain/loss and refractive index layers, enabling stable coupled mode oscillations.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Semiconductor Lasers
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are crucial for optical communication.
- Controlling optical properties within VCSEL arrays is key for advanced functionalities.
- Previous methods lacked precise control over gain/loss and refractive index distributions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer coupled VCSEL arrays with independently controlled optical properties.
- To investigate stable coupled mode oscillations in novel array structures.
- To demonstrate intra-cavity patterning for pixel definition.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 1.3 μm VCSEL arrays with distinct vertical layers for gain/loss and refractive index.
- Electrical pumping via a patterned tunnel junction.
- Intra-cavity patterning using sub-wavelength air gaps for pixel definition.
- Spectrally resolved field pattern analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of 2x2 coupled VCSEL arrays emitting at 1.3 μm.
- Demonstration of stable coupled mode oscillations across a range of operating currents.
- Evidence of oscillations from threshold current up to thermal roll-over.
- Validation of intra-cavity patterning for precise pixel control.
Conclusions:
- The proposed vertical layer engineering enables precise control over optical gain/loss and refractive index in VCSEL arrays.
- Stable coupled mode operation is achievable in these engineered 2x2 VCSEL arrays.
- This approach offers a promising pathway for developing advanced, high-performance VCSEL-based photonic integrated circuits.
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