A self-consistent model of a nonplanar quantum-well periodic laser array

An analysis of a nonplanar semiconductor periodic laser array is carried out using a self-consistent model that successfully explains the experimentally observed efficiencies and output optical patterns. This model takes into account the two-dimensional injected current distribution coupled with the optical intensity profile and gain variation from the mesa to the groove. The optical field distribution of the nonplanar laser array is treated as a linear combination of the optical modes in the mesas, grooves, and bends using the effective index method. Numerical results show the multimode operation due to spatial hole burning, the near-field patterns affected by the nonuniform current injection, and the competition of available carriers among the modes of neighboring waveguides