Analysis of three dimensionally confined microcavity surface emitting lasers using vector finite elements

Abstract

This new finite element method model is expected to be valuable for the design of microcavity devices. It can be used to optimize optical mode control by examining changes of size, shape, number, and location of native oxide layers. It may also be combined with semiconductor gain calculations to determine the higher-order mode suppression level for various microcavity surface emitting laser designs. Finally, it may be used to analyze VCSEL lasing and spontaneous emission near-field structure. This information is of considerable importance in the design of optical interconnect and communication systems.