High-order (ν>10) eigenmodes in ten-stripe gain-guided diode laser arrays

Abstract
We present a numerical model for a ten-stripe gain-guided diode laser array that predicts eigenmodes of order greater than the number of stripes. The existence of such high-order eigenmodes is confirmed by observing the near- and far-field emission patterns from free-running single-frequency gain-guided arrays operating near threshold. Injection seeding provides an effective tool for selectively exciting these high-order eigenmodes, including lower-gain modes which would not normally be observed in a free-running array.