Facing Future Challenges
Computational optoelectronics researchers are facing the same challenges that CFD and computational electronics once faced. The worldwide optoelectronics industry is growing at a phenomenal rate, fueled mainly by the insatiable demand for high-speed networks, high-speed computing, and high-density data storage. As the industry continues to grow, and as devices and systems become increasingly complex, the need for design and simulation tools will continue to expand.

Time-based evolution of light intensity across a ring-shaped VCSEL. Quicktime (469 KB)

As an extension of NAS's current modeling and simulation capability, the QOP team is now studying thermal effects and electronic transport across multi-layer structures. Team members are working on a model that couples different temperatures to the rest of the laser model, so that a comprehensive, yet computationally manageable VCSEL model can be developed.

With NASA's computing power and expertise, plus collaboration with other researchers, the QOP team will make "significant advances" in VCSEL technology", predicts IPT lead Meyyappan. "As scientists, we are at the right place, at the right time to make great contributions to the science of quantumoptoelectronics."

Watch for the full article, "VCSEL Lasers: Tiny Lasers, Huge Potential," by Cun-Zheng Ning, in the Spring 2000 issue of Gridpoints.

VCSEL Team Members: Samson Cheung, Peter Goorjian, Jianzhong Li, Cun-Zheng Ning