Anisotropic Transverse Confinement Design for Electrically Pumped 850 nm VCSELs Tuned by an Intra Cavity Liquid-Crystal Cell

Relying on preliminary experiments, in this work we design a tunable 850 nm laser based on a hybrid combination of a liquid crystal micro-cell with nanoimprinted grating and an electrically-pumped GaAs half-VCSEL. The optical design is challenging due to the inherent tolerances of this hybrid technology, the presence of metals in the cavity and the need for single fundamental extraordinary mode emission over the whole tuning range. To ensure proper operation, we introduce for the first time the new concept of anisotropic transverse confinement design. The overall performance is verified by our multiphysics VCSEL suite. Beyond tuning features, we predict side mode suppression ratio and optical power under all working conditions, comparing the performance of liquid crystals with different clearing temperatures. The results qualifies these lasers as viable tunable sources with interesting performance and complementary features compared to other technologies.

Automated summary

Based on preliminary experiments, we designed a tunable 850 nm laser using a hybrid combination of a liquid crystal micro-cell with nanoimprinted grating and an electrically-pumped GaAs half-VCSEL. The challenging optical design includes tolerances of the hybrid technology, presence of metals in the cavity, and the need for single fundamental extraordinary mode emission over the whole tuning range. By introducing the concept of anisotropic transverse confinement design, we ensured proper operation. The overall performance was verified by our multiphysics VCSEL suite, predicting side mode suppression ratio and optical power under all working conditions for liquid crystals with different clearing temperatures. The results demonstrate that these lasers are viable tunable sources with interesting performance and complementary features compared to other technologies.