Coherence of Leaky-Mode Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser Arrays

Abstract — The coherence of leaky-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays is analyzed using a stochastic coupled-mode theory. The conditions under which the theory is applicable to leaky-mode arrays is established. Measurements are performed on fabricated arrays, which serve to verify the predictions of the stochastic theory. Theory and experiment demonstrate that the critical determinants of array coherence are uniformity among the elements and control of the array supermodes. Index Terms — Optical coupling, semiconductor laser arrays, surface-emitting lasers. I