Abstract

New designs of phase-locked arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) can greatly benefit from concepts related to photonic crystals (PhCs).[l] For example, the notions of photonic crystal heterojunctions and heterostructures (PhCHs) have been adapted to demonstrate novel confinement configurations for photonic envelope functions in periodic systems. [2] Active control of photonic envelope functions would form the basis for new schemes for optical beam switching and routing. Here we describe such active control implemented in superlattices of VCSEL- based PhCHs employing separate electrical contacting.

© 2007 IEEE