A vertically integrated optical phased array has an array of a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers disposed in an aperiodic arrangement thereof, the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having light emitting ports disposed parallel to one another. An array of a plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators disposed in the same aperiodic arrangement as the array of the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, with individual modulators of said array of a plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators each being disposed in optical alignment with an injection port of a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. An array of a plurality of laser ports, fed by a master laser, are disposed in the same aperiodic arrangement as the array of the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, the master laser providing, in use, injection beamlets, each injection beamlet, in use, injection locking a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers via a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators.