  We propose a novel physical mechanism based on periodic non-Hermitian
potentials to efficiently control the complex spatial dynamics of broad-area
lasers, particularly in Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs),
achieving a stable emission of maximum brightness. Radially dephased periodic
refractive index and gain-loss modulations accumulate the generated light from
the entire active layer and concentrate it around the structure axis to emit
narrow, bright beams. The effect is due to asymmetric-inward radial coupling
between transverse modes, for particular phase differences of the refractive
index and gain-loss modulations. Light is confined into a central beam with
large intensity opening the path to design compact, bright and efficient
broad-area light sources. We perform a comprehensive analysis to explore the
maximum central intensity enhancement and concentration regimes. The study
reveals that the optimum schemes are those holding unidirectional inward
coupling but not fulfilling a perfect local PT-symmetry.
