Analysis of dual-wavelength oscillation in a broad-area diode laser operated with an external cavity

Apodizing holographic gratings used in an external cavity have shown to be effective to control the modal content of multimode broad-area diode lasers, providing single longitudinal-mode and single lateral-mode emission. They can also be designed to provide Littrow reflection at two wavelengths. We observed stable oscillation at two wavelengths in a diode laser with an external cavity ended with such a grating. This is not a common behavior for homogeneously broadened gain media. We present simulations of the behavior of this laser based on a rate equation analysis. The effects of spatial hole burning and spontaneous emission are examined. (C) 2002 Optical Society of America.