Optical communications in terrestrial and space environments require transmitted signals on the order of 40 GHz and higher, because of the uncertain and changing transmission environments. A robust communications system is needed that will provide these frequencies and substantial discrimination between different signals, which permit switching times on the order of 0.25 ps, and that permit the use of two or more distinct signals.

The vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) array has been developed by NASA to use external modulation of light from two or more coherently coupled VCSEL lasers to provide a very-high-frequency, fast-switching output beam for terrestrial and/or space communications.

The invention includes application of an array of VCSELs spatially coupled together. A current source is connected to the VCSELs, with a steady current biased above threshold current, where the coupling of the VCSELs produces an output laser beam having a spatial oscillation. A switching device is used that transfers the near laser field emitted by two or more coupled VCSELs to two receivers where external modulation is then used.

Another embodiment produces a far field device where two VCSELs produce an output beam that is also received and processed by an external modulation system. The resulting far field pattern has two lobes that oscillate out of phase and are useful for beam switching.

Dynamic beam switching of VCSELs has important applications for switching and routing in optical interconnect networks. This invention is based on computer simulations of the light output of an array of two or more coupled VCSELs. The model equations that are solved on the computer are an approximation to the semiconductor Maxwell-Bloch equations. The invention produces an optical data stream from an external modulator that receives an optical pulse train from an array of coherently coupled VCSELs.

This work was done by Peter M. Goorjian of Ames Research Center. NASA invites companies to inquire about partnering opportunities and licensing this patented technology. Contact the Ames Technology Partnerships Office at 1-855-627-2249 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Refer to ARC-14682-2.