Cellular-automaton approach to two-dimensional VCSEL array collective behaviour

A Cellular Automaton (CA) is used for modelling a two-dimensional array of single-mode Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). Preliminary results are reported on the dynamics of generation of collective array supermodes. In particular, coupling of devices has been computed at different values of injection current; the time evolution of cross-talk among devices has been successfully simulated even in the case of the presence of a damaged device; fundamental supermode far-field emission pattern is reported in good agreement with other analytical approaches and experimental results. The reduced computational cost and the chance of merging physical parameters with geometrical topologies make the CA models a useful and powerful complement to classical analytical modelling of complex interacting optical-device collections. © Società Italiana di Fisica.