Coherent 2-Dimensional VCSEL Arrays

Coupled 2-dimensional (2D) arrays of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been pursued for more than two decades (Yoo et al., 1990). Recently, VCSEL arrays defined by introducing an etched photonic crystal (PhC) into the top facet (Danner et al., 2003) or with multiple implantation apertures (Lehman et al., 2007) have demonstrated coherently coupled in-phase operation. Moreover, we have found that variable phase between the array pixels is possible and influences the coherence and far field pattern, where the latter can enable beam steering applications.