Optical phase-conjugate feedback effects on gain-guided diode laser characteristics

The effects of optical phase-conjugate feedback on the characteristics of stripe-geometry gain-guided GaAlAs lasers are theoretically investigated using a model based on the beam-propagation method. Compared to standard diode lasers, the use of a phase-conjugate mirror yields lower threshold currents and improves the optical quality of the output beam over a wide range of stripe widths and cavity lengths. The results obtained for 3 mu m stripe lasers are particularly noteworthy since the twin-peaked far field of standard lasers can become single lobed. Moreover, when one cleaved facet is replaced by a phase-conjugate mirror having the same overall reflectivity, the threshold current can be reduced by more than 50% for short cavity lengths.<>