Comparisons between linear and nonlinear localized waves in semiconductor lasers within a surface photonic crystal structure

We report experimental observations of cavity solitons in a surface-photonic-crystal-structured Vertical Cavity Surface Emission Laser by using the near-field scanning optical microscope. Comparisons between linear and nonlinear localized modes, i.e. Defect modes and cavity solitons, are illustrated experimentally and numerically. A general method to generate and control self-organized cavity solitons is demonstrated without using a holding beam.