Coherently coupling multiple elements in vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays with three or more emitters coherently coupled are the focus of this work. VCSEL arrays have many established applications and reliable coherent VCSEL arrays are a next step in their progression. The key innovation of this work is individual addressability to each array element, which allows for tuning the elements into coherence in photonic crystal ion-implanted VCSEL arrays. The VCSEL array design and fabrication are discussed with an emphasis on achieving a high yield of coherent arrays. Ion- implantation allows individual addressability that enables reliable resonant tuning. In addition, individual addressability provides a means for supermode engineering. A simulation model for linear leaky-mode VCSEL arrays is developed in order to predict the lasing coherent supermode for a specified array structure and relative biasing. The simulation model is verified through comparison to experimental results of a three-element linear array. Several array geometries with multiple elements are fabricated and are demonstrated to operate coherently in a variety of coherent supermode emission patterns. Laser characterization of laser output power, spectra, near-field intensity, and far-field emission are included. The conclusion of this work demonstrates that controlling the far-field emission through specific coherent bias points within a photonic crystal ion-implanted VCSEL array is a viable means for optical mode engineering.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2019

Author dc:creator

• Thompson, Bradley Jay

Contributors dc:contributor

• Choquette, Kent D
• Lyding, Joseph
• Lee, Minjoo
• Dragic, Peter

• vertical cavity surface emitting laser
• VCSEL
• VCSEL array
• laser array
• phased array
• optical phased array
• semiconductor laser array
• diode laser array
• coherent array
• coherent coupling
• resonance tuning
• laser mode
• supermode
• multielement array
• photonics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 Bradley Jay Thompson

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/105641

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/105641