Accurate three-dimensional modal solutions for optical resonators with periodic layered structure by using the finite element method

Accurate vector finite element solutions for three-dimensional (3-D) axisymmetric multilayered optical cavities are presented. Resonating wavelength and field profiles are shown for the fundamental and higher order modes for different types of optical cavities. The work has shown that for a narrow multilayered cylinder of diameter /spl les/0.5 /spl mu/m, for miniature vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL), which is a popular class of laser showing favorable performance characteristics, the effect of waveguide dispersion is an important factor. This causes a blue shift of the output wavelength, requiring an adjustment to the layer thickness in the system design, to achieve the desired wavelength. The results of the simulation show close agreement with features obtained through experimental investigations.