Abstract

In the first part of our presentation, we summarize our previous BPM results in integrated and fiber optics, semiconductor laser, coherence and coherent backscattering theory, and band-structure analysis. We also review our reformulation of the BPM in terms of matrix operators.¹ The second half considers the application of the matrix algorithm to strongly coupled laser arrays. In particular, we calculate the band-structure associated with the higher-order supermodes of periodic Y-junction laser arrays of infinite transverse extent. Our results here demonstrate that while many salient properties of Y-junction array modes can be reproduced by simple models incorporating adiabatic lossless Y-junctions, the supermode gain displays several previously unreported features associated with the finite Y-junction lengths.

© 1987 Optical Society of America