Abstract

In previous works [1] we numerically studied the polarization and transverse mode behavior of gain-guided Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) which can operate in several transverse modes corresponding to the same longitudinal mode. For this purpose, we used a generalized model which included (i) transverse effects, such as optical diffraction and carrier diffusion: (ii) the gain and dispersion spectra in a two-level Maxwell-Bloch approach: and (iii) the basic physical mechanisms of polarization dynamics such as saturable dispersion. VCSEL anisotropies and spin dynamics. Even though our results showed qualitative agreement with the experimental observations, it was not possible to identify completely the physical mechanisms governing the selection of the polarization state mediated by the transverse mode dynamics. The analysis of these mechanisms is difficult in gain guided VCSELs since transverse modes are not determined by the waveguide structure.

© 1998 IEEE