VCSEL design using the bidirectional beam-propagation method

We present an optical modeling approach for calculating vertical-cavity sur face emitting lasers (VCSELs) modes based on the bidirectional beam propaga tion method. Compared with existing approaches, it is flexible, efficient, and convenient. To demonstrate and validate the approach, we examined sever al design problems for oxide-confined VCSEL devices. Specifically, we model ed the blue-shift phenomenon in small oxidized VCSELs and compared our calc ulations with previous results. We also examined the dependence of the thre shold gain on different oxide-aperture shaped designs and on the thickness and placement of an aperture layer.