Array modes of longitudinally varying laser array geometries

A numerical model to compute the array eigenmodes of longitudinally varying laser array geometries is presented. Previously published results on parallel arrays, on a broad-area waveguide, and on Y-arrays in which evanescent coupling is absent appear as limiting cases in the calculation. Application of the model to the design of n-(n+1) Y-junction arrays with n=1 up to n=4, reveals the competition between the evanescent and interferometric coupling in these devices.<
>