Mode suppression in metal filled photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers

Benjamin G. Griffin; Amir Arbabi; Lynford L. Goddard

doi:10.1117/12.912552

7 February 2012 Mode suppression in metal filled photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers

Benjamin G. Griffin, Amir Arbabi, Lynford L. Goddard

Proceedings Volume 8276, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XVI; 82760N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912552
Event: SPIE OPTO, 2012, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Simulation results for an etched air hole photonic crystal (PhC) vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) structure with various thicknesses of metal deposited inside the holes are presented. The higher-order modes of the structure are more spread out than the fundamental mode, and penetrate into the metal-filled holes. Due to the lossy nature of the metal, these higher-order modes experience a greater loss than the fundamental mode, resulting in an enhanced side mode suppression ratio (SMSR). A figure of merit for determining which metals would have the greatest impact on the SMSR is derived and validated using a transmission matrix method calculation. A full three-dimensional simulation of the PhC VCSEL structure is performed using the plane wave admittance method, and SMSRs are calculated for increasing metal thicknesses. Of the metals simulated, chromium provided the greatest SMSR enhancement with more than a 4 dB improvement with 500 nm of metal for an operating current of 12 times threshold.

Citation Download Citation

Benjamin G. Griffin, Amir Arbabi, and Lynford L. Goddard "Mode suppression in metal filled photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers", Proc. SPIE 8276, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers XVI, 82760N (7 February 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.912552

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available