Continuous-wave operation of phase-coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser arrays

Coupled arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers were realized by patterning the reflectivity of the top-distributed Bragg reflector using a phase-matching layer and a metal grid. For improved current injection and better heat dissipation the devices were selectively oxidized. Continuous-wave room-temperature operation of these arrays has been achieved at 960 nm. Near- and far-field measurements confirm the phase-coupling in a typical out-of-phase mode pattern. Analysis of the differential efficiency reveals a strong decrease when the number of lasing pixels and hence the mesa size is increased. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)02741-8].