Array modes of cyclic vertical cavity laser arrays with odd numbers of elements were explored experimentally and theoretically. The odd antiphase array mode is prohibited by the circular symmetry, and the lowestloss modes are degenerated. Slight inhomogenities drive the array mode structure to experience spontaneous symmetry breaking, leading by means of mode degeneracy removal to stable operation characterized by an antiphase lasing mode with an even number of lobes. Circular laser arrays of 3–19 elements were measured; all were lasing in a stable even-array mode, exhibiting 2–18 intensity lobes for both the near and the far fields.

© 1996 Optical Society of America

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Citation lists with outbound citation links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Cited by links are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription

You do not have subscription access to this journal. Article level metrics are available to subscribers only. You may subscribe either as an OSA member, or as an authorized user of your institution.

Contact your librarian or system administrator
or
Log in to access OSA Member Subscription