Supersymmetric Single-Lateral-Mode GaN-Based Ridge-Waveguide Edge-Emitting Lasers

High-power nitride-based edge-emitting lasers with low-divergence Gaussian beams are useful for applications including laser surgery, material processing, and 3D printing. Fundamental lateral mode operation is typically achieved using narrow or shallow ridges. However, narrow ridges limit the active region, while shallow ridges can allow higher-order mode lasing. To address these challenges, this study applies a supersymmetry approach using optical coupling between neighbouring ridges to confine the fundamental mode while suppressing higher-order modes. Two nitride-based edge-emitting laser configurations-double-ridge and triple-ridge waveguides-are analysed, with a focus on ridge-width tolerances and the effects of gain and absorption. Both configurations achieve strong mode discrimination. However, the triple-ridge waveguide structure exhibits a mode separation ratio more than twice that of the double-ridge waveguide, making it promising for high-power single-mode operation. The results of this study provide a basis for further study of supersymmetry effects in nitride lasers.