MEAN-FIELD APPROXIMATION IN SEMICONDUCTOR-LASER MODELING

A mean-field model for light propagation in wide-aperture, lossy semic onductor lasers is derived and validated by comparison with a full cou nterpropagating wave code. The model includes inhomogeneities transver se to (index or gain guiding) and along the laser structure in additio n to light diffraction and carrier diffusion. The model is tested on s ingle-stripe index- and gain-guided lasers, on multistripe index- and gain-guided laser arrays, and on broad-area lasers.