Rate equation-based numerical analysis of mutual injection for phase locked 2D-VCSEL array using Talbot effect

The operating conditions and structural design that are necessary to realize 2-dimensional (2D) phased-locked VCSEL array using Talbot effect (Talbot-VCSEL) were studied by numerical analysis of mutual injection locking by using the laser rate equation. Analysis of a few elements confirms the tendency of mutual injection locking and shows that the locking range can be expanded by increasing the number of elements which have close wavelength. Furthermore, Talbot-VCSEL of a 2D array was analyzed to clarify the optimal array configuration that are necessary for locking operation. As the results, the aperture diameter of >5 μ m and the array size of >9 × 9 with 30 μ m of array pitch is appropriate minimum configuration of the 2D VCSEL array.