The oscillating spatial modes of a phase-locked injection laser array are observed by spectrally resolving its far-field radiation pattern. The origin of the observed far fields is not consistent with a uniform array of emitters with equal coupling between the elements. When the array is placed in an external cavity containing a mirror, it is possible to select individual spatial modes of the compound resonator, including the fundamental mode. Operation of a phase-locked laser array in conjunction with an external resonator is shown to be a useful technique for spatial mode selection.
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Andrews et al. (1985) studied this question.