Open AccessRed microchip VECSEL array
Author(s) -
Jennifer E. Hastie,
Lynne G. Morton,
S. Calvez,
Martin D. Dawson,
Tomi Lein,
M. Pessa,
Graham M. Gibson,
Miles J. Padgett
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/opex.13.007209
Subject(s) - optics , laser , materials science , lasing threshold , beam (structure) , wavelength , optoelectronics , spatial light modulator , physics
We report an InGaP/AlInGaP/GaAs microchip vertical-external-cavity surface emitting laser operating directly at red wavelengths and demonstrate its potential for array-format operation. Optical pumping with up to 3.3W at 532nm produced a maximum output power of 330mW at 675nm, in a single circularly-symmetric beam with M2<2. Simultaneous pumping with three separate input beams, generated using a diffractive optical element, achieved lasing from three discrete areas of the same chip. Output power of ~95mW per beam was obtained from this 3x1 array, each beam having a Gaussian intensity profile with M2<1.2. In a further development, a spatial light modulator allowed computer control over the orientation and separation of the pump beams, and hence dynamic control over the configuration of the VECSEL array.