Abstract

We have recently reported cw and mode-locked tunable dual-wavelength lasers by using a gain-guided phase-locked diode array with a novel external grating-loaded cavity. [1-3] It was found that gain completion was negligible and the laser output at the two wavelength was quite stable. Examining the far field pattern of the laser, we found that the spatial distribution of the two modes are distinct. If the array were replaced with a single-stripe laser diode, however, the competition between the two wavelengths was quite strong. Previously, Twu et al[4] have reported analysis the lateral mode distribution of the gain-guided laser array at or about the threshold. The theoretical treatment, however, is limited to the case of the laser diode array operating at a single wavelength.

© 1996 Optical Society of America