| This thesis is a study of the dynamics of coherent semiconductor laser arrays, particularly the dynamical effects stemming from the mutual coupling of the single-lateral-mode light-emitting elements composing the array, as distinct from effects also present in single-emitter (stripe-geometry) semiconductor lasers.;Rate equations describing multiple coupled emitters are derived from the semiclassical interaction of optical waves and carriers near the p-n junction of a diode. Single-emitter dynamical effects are catalogued so that they may be distinguished from those unique to arrays in an experimental setting. The simplest coherent array, consisting of two weakly-coupled, identical emitters, is examined in depth. The two lateral modes of the twin-emitter are each associated with an equilibrium point of the twin-emitter rate equations, and the stability of equilibria is obtained as a function of device parameters, particularly the emitter coupling parameter. The stability analysis is corroborated by numerical integration of the rate equations. The dependence of the coupling parameter on emitter spacing is derived using a simple model.;Techniques are given for measuring the relevant device parameters. The real part of the coupling parameter is related to the beat frequency of the lateral modes of a twin-emitter array. The imaginary part is related to the relative gain of the lateral modes. Experimental verification of the foregoing theory met with limited success, because the available two-stripe arrays were strongly-coupled, compromising the applicability of the twin-emitter model. Possible solutions to the dearth of devices suited to the experimental verification of the theory are proposed, including variable-coupling and diffraction-coupled twin-emitter arrays.;Finally, high-frequency injection current modulation of coherent arrays is discussed. Using the twin-emitter model, it is shown that modulation beyond the relaxation oscillation frequency, the limiting frequency for single-emitters, is effective only when a 180... |
