Modelling of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser beam collimation using a nanostructured gradient index microlens

Abstract

In this paper we show that the recently developed nanostructured gradient index (nGRIN) rod microlens can be utilised for the collimation of the beam generated by a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The modelling of the nanostructured lens structure is performed using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method with realistic nGRIN parameters and a Gaussian model of the light source. The large refractive index gradient of the nanostructured microlens allows the final microlens thickness to be only 70 μm with a diameter of 10 μm. Successful collimation of a single-mode VCSEL beam with a waist half-width of 1.53 μm is presented with a reduction in divergence half-angle from 10.1° to 3.3°. We show that the linear polarisation of the incident beam is preserved as well as presenting the tolerance of this type of lens to variations in overall thickness.