Arrays of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers have been investigated as potential high-power, single-mode sources. Proton-implantation definition of laser apertures has been demonstrated as a simple and effective method to create coherently coupled vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays [1, 2]. In this work, the thermal and carrier characteristics of these arrays are considered and the coupling mechanism is described. As has been observed in edge emitters, it is demonstrated that the coupling between implant apertures is a result of index anti-guiding [3]. This reveals that it is possible to make strongly coupled anti-guided VCSEL arrays without many of the complicated fabrication processes previously required [4–6]. The behavior of these laser arrays is described theoretically and compared to experiment.
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