Abstract

Phase-locked arrays of vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) offer a wide range of applications, including optical computing, optical interconnects, printing, free-space communications and laser radar. The unique cavity geometry of VCSELs allows the construction of large arrays with both one- and two-dimensional (2D) configurations. For a given number of array elements, closely-packed 2D arrays should exhibit better spatial coherence since (a) their smaller diameter reduces adverse effects of wafer nonuniformities; and (b) the larger number of nearest neighbors and higher degree of connectivity in 2D arrays should yield more effective coupling. Here, we show that 2D arrays indeed exhibit improved coherence compared to their 1D counterparts because of their higher dimensionality, and demonstrate efficient phase locking of large (up to 25×25) arrays of VCSELs.

© 1991 Optical Society of America