Supersymmetry engineering and theoretical analysis in VCSELs.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Theoretical Physics

Background:

• Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) face a trade-off between single-mode stability and oxide aperture size.
• Supersymmetry (SUSY) is a theoretical framework with potential applications in optics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend supersymmetry (SUSY) concepts to VCSELs through structural modifications.
• To address the fundamental trade-off between single-mode stability and oxide aperture size in VCSELs.

Main Methods:

• Designed an asymmetric coupled-cavity VCSEL structure.
• Patterned the p-type confinement layer to create three fiber-like pillar waveguide cavities.
• Co-optimized refractive indices and dimensional parameters for asymmetric coupled cavities.

Main Results:

• Successfully implemented non-destructive supersymmetry in VCSELs.
• Demonstrated a novel VCSEL design with a central gain cavity flanked by two loss cavities.
• Achieved enhanced single-mode stability and oxide aperture size.

Conclusions:

• Supersymmetry principles can be elegantly extended to VCSELs via structural modifications.
• This work offers a new approach for developing high-power, single-mode VCSELs.
• Expands the application domain of supersymmetry theory in photonic devices.