ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes time-dependent coupled-mode theory to study the dynamics of semiconductor laser arrays. The laser array is treated as a collection of coupled semiconductor lasers. The chapter presents the rate equations that describe the laser array. These equations will be applied to a single-emitter laser to characterize the isolated emitter. For real coupling, the laser array is unstable over a wide region of parameter space. The chapter shows that the domain of stability is enhanced when the coupling constant is complex. It also presents numerical results for the stability of larger arrays. For weak coupling, the chapter shows that the phases of the complex fields of the emitters dictate the dynamics. It also utilizes the phase dynamical equations to determine the effect of dissimilar oscillation frequencies of the individual emitters on the ability of the laser array to achieve a phase-locked state.
