Spectrally resolved imaging of the transverse modes in multimode VCSELs

Stephen M. Misak, Dan G. Dugmore, Kirsten A. Middleton, Evan R. Hale, Kelly R. Farner, Kent D. Choquette, Paul O. Leisher

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

Abstract

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) enable a range of applications such as data transmission, trace sensing, atomic clocks, and optical mice. For many of these applications, the output power and beam quality are both critical (i.e. high output power with good beam quality is desired). Multi-mode VCSELs offer much higher power than single-mode devices, but this comes at the expense of lower beam quality. Directly observing the resolved mode structure of multi-mode VCSELs would enable engineers to better understand the underlying physics and help them to develop multi-mode devices with improved beam quality. In this work, a low-cost, high-resolution (<3 pm) Echelle grating spectrometer system is used to map the two-dimensional VCSEL near-field emission profile. The system spectrally disperses the VCSEL beam and images it with high magnification onto a CMOS camera. The narrow spectral content of each LP mode allows direct observation of the modal content of the VCSEL.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationVertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XIX
EditorsKent D. Choquette, Chun Lei
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628414714
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventVertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XIX - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 11 2015Feb 12 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9381
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherVertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XIX
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/11/152/12/15

Keywords

  • Echelle grating spectrometer
  • LP mode
  • multi-mode VCSEL

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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