Space-time dynamics of semiconductor laser arrays

Abstract

Through a combination of analysis and computation, we have established that multistripe index/gain guided laser arrays and broad area lasers are fascinating manifestations of complex nonlinear dynamic behavior in spatially extended systems. Despite remarkable ingenuity in laser engineering, multistripe edge/surface-emitting and broad area lasers pose major difficulties with regard to stable single-mode operation over a range of acceptable output powers and wavelengths. We have developed a new coupled-mode theory and extended the standard phenomenological model to include transverse gain sections and have studied the space–time evolution in multistripe and broad area laser models under free-running injection-locking, and current modulation conditions. New classes of array mode have been identified and the stability properties of some of these solutions been obtained through bifurcation analysis of the coupled-mode equations for multistripe index-guided lasers. The coupled-mode model includes the important effects of carrier-induced gain antiguiding and diffusion. A full scale simulation code including counterpropagating fields in the structure, light diffraction, and carrier diffusion has a modular structure allowing computations on arbitrary stripe geometries and verifying our coupled mode model.