Far-field analytical model for laser arrays and fitting with experimental results.

Coupled laser arrays emit far-field radiation which is not well described by the grating-like formulation. An exact diffraction theory solution for the far field of coupled laser arrays is derived. The model is used to obtain excellent fit with the far-field pattern of a twin coupled laser diode operated under pulse modulation and with that of a hybrid coupled diode laser device. The fitted results exhibit the existence of a small phase difference between the coupled stripes and this difference is increased up to 12° in the hybrid device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]