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

Thompson, Bradley Jay

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/105641 Copy

Description

Title

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

Author(s)

Thompson, Bradley Jay

Issue Date

2019-07-03

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Choquette, Kent D

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Choquette, Kent D

Committee Member(s)

• Lyding, Joseph
• Lee, Minjoo
• Dragic, Peter

Department of Study

Electrical & Computer Eng

Discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• 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

Abstract

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.

Graduation Semester

2019-08

Type of Resource

text

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

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2019 Bradley Jay Thompson

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