Rigorous and efficient optical VCSEL model based on vectorial eigenmode expansion and perfectly matched layers

A novel optical VCSEL model is presented, based on vectorial eigenmode expansion combined with perfectly matched layer (PML) boundary conditions. It is fully rigorous and computationally efficient, as the PML boundaries eliminate parasitic reflections and allow the metal discretisation wall to be placed much closer to the device under study. The model is illustrated with a number of simulation results on proton-implanted, airpost and oxide-confined VCSELs. The trade-off between tight transverse optical confinement and scattering loss is clearly illustrated.