Competition of orthogonally polarized transverse Fourier modes in a VCSEL

We consider a large-aspect-ratio vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VC SEL) and show that the dependence of the reflection from distributed Bragg reflectors used in VCSELs on the incidence angle of a tilted wave leads to spatial Fourier mode selection and transverse pattern formation along with the known dispersion selection mechanism. Interplay between these two mecha nisms can reinforce the process of mode selection. In this case not only th e absolute value but also the direction of the transverse wavevector determ ines the excited modes. The choice depends also on the field polarization a nisotropy of the device. In this case transverse standing waves appear near the laser threshold even in a system infinite in the transverse direction. Their direction is connected with the polarization direction.