Vertical-cavity laser diode polarization switching and control

Author

Choquette, Kent D. ; Lear, K.L. ; Leibenguth, R.E. ; Asom, M.T.

Author_Institution

Sandia Nat. Labs., Albuquerque, NM

Volume

40

Issue

11

fYear

1993

fDate

11/1/1993 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

2117

Lastpage

2118

Abstract

Summary form only given. It is demonstrated that the polarization characteristics of VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) diodes can be uniquely influenced by the geometric transverse cavity shape. The laser output polarization direction is controlled by intentionally introducing anisotropy in VCSEL diodes using novel transverse cavity shapes. Orthogonal polarization switching of the VCSEL fundamental transverse optical mode is demonstrated. Whereas circular VCSELs can have competing orthogonal polarizations in the fundamental mode, a single polarization in an arbitrary direction can be selected and maintained using a rhombus-shaped cavity. Cross-shaped VCSELs provide a means for modulating the fundamental mode between orthogonal polarizations

Keywords

laser cavity resonators; light polarisation; semiconductor lasers; switching; LD; VCSEL; circular cavity; competing orthogonal polarizations; cross-shaped cavity; fundamental transverse optical mode; geometric transverse cavity shape; laser diode; laser output polarization direction; orthogonal polarizations; polarisation control; polarization characteristics; polarization switching; rhombus-shaped cavity; vertical cavity surface emitting laser; Anisotropic magnetoresistance; Diode lasers; Geometrical optics; Laser modes; Optical control; Optical polarization; Shape control; Stimulated emission; Surface emitting lasers; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Electron Devices, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9383

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/16.239791

Filename

239791