Smart laser controlling mixed-mode state

It is desirable to control the mode states of a laser to stabilize it under the influence of environmental factors as well as to tailor the laser beam. Here, we demonstrate mixed-mode-state control in a photonic crystal surface-emitting laser at the chip level by leveraging the mechanism of mutual injection locking via dynamic control of the current injection distribution. We also demonstrate smart control, in which deep learning is applied to accurately predict the current injection distribution required to achieve a targeted beam pattern owing to manipulation of the mixed-mode state, and vice versa. These results could enable smart laser sources essential for advanced laser processing and additive manufacturing applications. (c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement