Abstract

Diffraction of light and diffusion of the nonlinear excitation have been known for some time to profoundly influence the nonlinear response of passive optical feedback systems [1]. More recent work has examined the competition between self-focusing and diffraction in the propagation of light in extended nonlinear amplifying media [2]. New classes of broad stripe semiconductor lasers are currently being developed as high-power coherent light sources for wide ranging applications. Such structures suffer the inevitable problems of multi-transverse mode instabilities which are further complicated by carrier diffusion within the wide gain region. It is to be anticipated therefore that any transversal instabilities may be strongly influenced by material diffusion.

© 1991 Optical Society of America