Fundamental transverse mode selection and self-stabilization in large optical cavity diode lasers under high injection current densities

It is shown that in high-power, large optical cavity laser diodes at high injection currents, the optical losses due to nonuniform carrier accumulation in the optical confinement layer can ensure the laser operation in the fundamental transverse mode. An experimental demonstration of switching from second order mode to fundamental mode in large optical cavity lasers with current and/or temperature increase is reported and explained, with the calculated values for the switching current and temperature in good agreement with the measurements. The results experimentally prove the nonuniform nature of carrier accumulation in the confinement layer and may aid laser design for optimizing the output. (paper)