Abstract

Although coherence properties of semiconductor laser arrays have been the subject of extensive investigations for many years [1], solid state laser arrays are only recently receiving much interest. The two systems are described by similar dynamical equations, but the solid state laser dynamics occur on much slower time scales. In addition, spatial coupling is varied more easily in a solid state array. The solid state array then presents some advantages as a tool in investigating coupled dynamical systems. In this paper we study the coherence properties of two spatially coupled Nd:YAG lasers.

© 1992 Optical Society of America