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Transverse Mode Dynamics of VCSELs Through Space-Time Domain SimulationModeling and simulation are important to understand laser operation and to optimize and design device functions. Numerical simulation of VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers) has been largely based on solving time-independent Helmholtz equation or time dependent coupled mode equations. There are various advantages for choosing these approaches. However, the disadvantages are also apparent. The former cannot handle dynamical mode competition seen in VCSELs, while the latter assumes a given type and number of modes a priori. Furthermore, the microscopic physics of heterstructures and electron-hole plasma is very often represented by a few parameters such as linear gain coefficients and the linewidth enhancement factor. These are over simplification of space and frequency (wavelength) dependent gain and refractive index functions. When the space-time dynamical operation of VCSELs becomes important, these simple approximations become questionable. In this paper, we apply a recently developed model for edge-emitting lasers to a gain guided VCSEL for space-time domain simulation. This model takes into account the actual nonlinear dependence of gain and refractive index on frequency and carrier density within the frame work of the effective Bloch equations. The corresponding partial differential equations are solved directly by finite difference methods. Laser behavior with increasing pumping current is investigated in detail. Special attention is paid to the dynamical competition of the transverse modes.
Document ID
20020074606
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goorjian, Peter M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Ning, Cun-Zheng
(MRJ Technology Solutions, Inc. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Saini, Subhash
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Lasers And Masers
Meeting Information
Meeting: Photonics West 1999 SPIE
Location: San Jose, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: January 23, 1999
End Date: January 29, 1999
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 519-40-12
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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