Coherently coupled photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers for communication applications

Kent D. Choquette, J. J. Raftery, A. J. Danner, P. O. Leisher

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Optical interconnects will have an important role for internal communication within future spacecrafts as well as infra-communication between satellite constellations. Optical sources with novel functionality, such as solid state beam steering, would have many advantages. A novel approach for creating 2-dimensional arrays of coherently coupled vertically emitting laser cavities has been demonstrated and is discussed herein. Coherent optical coupling is achieved by creating a 2×2 array of defect cavities within the top distributed Bragg reflector of a photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting laser. By modifying the index within the coupling regions, accomplished by varying the hole parameters in those regions, coherent coupling has been observed in the far field. Utilization of this approach may lead to extended area coherent sources with high spectral purity. Moreover, tuning the phase shift between lasers in the array would enable angular steering the far field emission pattern. Such a coherent array of lasers would allow the development of optical communication laser sources with electronic beam steering capability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2005 IEEE Aerospace Conference
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages1984-1990
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)0780388704, 9780780388703
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Event2005 IEEE Aerospace Conference - Big Sky, MT, United States
Duration: Mar 5 2005Mar 12 2005

Publication series

NameIEEE Aerospace Conference Proceedings
Volume2005
ISSN (Print)1095-323X

Other

Other2005 IEEE Aerospace Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Sky, MT
Period3/5/053/12/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Space and Planetary Science

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