Optimization studies of single-transverse-mode 980 nm ridge-waveguide lasers

The paper presents a simple and efficient Mode-Solver-based method for determining the ridge profile that ensures stable single-transverse-mode operation in ridge waveguide lasers. A quantitative figure of merit, easily derived from the Mode Solver analysis of the structure, indicates the likelihood of single transverse modal behavior over the whole bias range. The transverse mode analysis performed with the in-house developed software has been compared with the results of the commercial simulation package LASTIP and with experiments. The simulation and experimental results have been used to derive processing guidelines for achieving a stable single-transverse-mode operation in ridge waveguide lasers.