Complete-single-mode operation of 180° mode phased array lasers by improving temperature distribution inside the stripe region

180° mode phased array lasers with multiple stripes were systematically investigated for high-power, single lateral mode operation. Phased array lasers with a conventional loss guide structure were fabricated for 180° mode operation because the structure allowed the threshold gain of 180° mode to become smallest by introducing optical loss between stripes and outside the stripe region. It showed complete single lateral mode operation under pulsed condition. However, under continuous wave operation, phase-uncoupling occurred at the edge emitters as a result of the temperature distribution inside the stripe region. This was confirmed both experimentally and theoretically. To minimise the temperature distribution, dummy stripes were introduced outside the stripe region. The current in the dummy stripes did not cause lasing, but did increase the temperature of the edge stripes, which improved the thermal distribution inside the stripe region. As a result, complete single lateral 180° mode operation under continuous wave operation was attained.