Non-Hermitian arrangement for stable semiconductor laser arrays

Area of Science:

• Semiconductor physics
• Laser engineering
• Non-Hermitian optics

Background:

• Broad area laser diodes exhibit complex spatiotemporal dynamics.
• Stabilizing these dynamics is crucial for high-power laser applications.
• Non-Hermitian potentials offer novel ways to control optical systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and explore a physical mechanism for stabilizing complex dynamics in laser diode arrays.
• To investigate the role of PT-symmetric coupling in achieving temporal stabilization.
• To demonstrate enhanced light emission and beam quality.

Main Methods:

• Numerical analysis using a (2+1)-dimensional space-temporal model.
• Inclusion of transverse and longitudinal spatial degrees of freedom.
• Simulation of electric field and carrier dynamics.
• Analysis of a simplified (1+1)-dimensional model with axisymmetric geometry.

Main Results:

• Achieved temporal stabilization of laser diode arrays.
• Demonstrated spatial redistribution and enhancement of light emission.
• Showcased control over temporal dynamics in edge-emitting lasers (EELs) bars.
• Observed field concentration on central lasers for brighter output beams.

Conclusions:

• Symmetry breaking in non-Hermitian potentials provides a viable mechanism for stabilizing laser diode arrays.
• PT-symmetric coupling enables control over temporal dynamics and enhances beam brightness.
• The proposed method facilitates direct coupling to optical fibers, improving device utility.