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Free-running modes for gain-guided diode laser arrays

Journal Article · · IEEE J. Quant. Electron.; (United States)

The authors present a numerical model for directly calculating the eigenmodes of multiple-stripe gain-guided diode laser arrays, which includes the effects of both carrier diffusion and heating in the active region. Comprehensive calculations of the eigenmodes of a CW gain-guided array using this model are directly compared to experimental observations on commercial ten-stripe arrays. These numerical and experimental results show that, contrary to popular wisdom, gain-guided arrays are characterized by a large number of eigenmodes, not limited to the number of elements in the array. In addition, the results show the importance of including the refractive index perturbation arising from junction heating, which dramatically alters both the character and the gain of the array modes.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
6362006
Journal Information:
IEEE J. Quant. Electron.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE J. Quant. Electron.; (United States) Vol. QE-23:6; ISSN IEJQA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English