CAREER: Stability and Polarization Control of Single Mode Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers Exposed to Optical Feedback

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The proposed integrated research and education program focusses oninvestigation of the notorious polarization instability and sensitivityto optical feedback of single transverse mode vertical cavity surfaceemitting lasers (VCSELs). These intertwined difficulties plague ongoingefforts to develop the use of single mode VCSELs for applications suchas wavelength division multiplexed communications networks and opticaldisk readout. Furthermore, we expect that our work will be relevant tofuture investigations of other low-dimensional semiconductor nano-laserswith a large degree of symmetry. The experimental investigations ofpolarization stability will be analyzed using a novel model that we havedeveloped to describe VCSELs with two polarization eigenstates in thepresence of optical feedback. This CW work will then be extended to aninvestigation of the small-signal modulation response of VCSELs withoptical feedback. Finally, the results of these investigations will beused to explore practical strategies for improving the stability andpolarization control of single mode VCSELs exposed to optical feedback.The proposed research will be integrated into the education of ourundergraduate physics and engineering majors, both in the classroom andvia direct participation of undergraduates in my research program. Inorder to enable our students to acquire the necessary research skills,we are developing a new investigative, inquiry-driven, sophomore-levelinstructional optoelectronics lab. In addition, we are introducing intoour introductory sequence pedagogical reforms aimed at encouragingstudents to engage in the processes of critical analysis that areessential to successful, creative research. Ultimately, thisintegration of research and teaching will contribute to the resolutionof a critical problem in VCSEL development while preparing ourundergraduates to join the ranks of the next generation of womenscientists and engineers.