title: Red microchip VECSEL array.
abstract: We report an InGaP/AlInGaP/GaAs microchip vertical-external-cavity surface emitting laser operating directly at red wavelengths and demonstrate its potential for array-format operation. Optical pumping with up to 3.3W at 532nm produced a maximum output power of 330mW at 675nm, in a single circularly-symmetric beam with M2<2. Simultaneous pumping with three separate input beams, generated using a diffractive optical element, achieved lasing from three discrete areas of the same chip. Output power of ~95mW per beam was obtained from this 3x1 array, each beam having a Gaussian intensity profile with M2<1.2. In a further development, a spatial light modulator allowed computer control over the orientation and separation of the pump beams, and hence dynamic control over the configuration of the VECSEL array.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hastie
authors.forename: Lynne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: Stephane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Calvez
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dawson
authors.forename: Tomi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leinonen
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pessa
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.forename: Miles
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Padgett