High single-mode output power from compact external microcavity surface-emitting laser diode

Abstract

Transverse mode control is demonstrated in an electrically pumped surface-emitting laser diode coupled to an external microcavity with room-temperature single-mode powers reaching 2.0 mW continuous wave and 36.7 mW pulsed. The wavelength chirp is less than 0.044 nm for the pulsed results. The external microcavity is formed with a flat dielectric mirror placed less than 700 μm from the wafer surface. Diffraction and spatial filtering in the external cavity provide high-order mode suppression and produce a large fundamental mode of width 36 μm. This external cavity geometry readily lends itself to integration.

Effects of optical feedback on static and dynamic characteristics of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

“…Experimental investigations demonstrate that VCSEL performance is strongly affected by the presence of optical feedback [3]- [7]. Linewidth narrowing and broadening [3], threshold change [4]- [6], mode-hopping, coherence collapse, and intensity-noise degradation [7] have been observed depending on the strength and phase of feedback. However, theoretical modeling of VCSEL's operating under feedback conditions has used numerical models which neglect spatial effects [8], [9].…”

Single mode photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers

“…5 These methods can achieve high powers, but typically the surface etching depth target cannot deviate strongly from the design requirements. External cavity methods ͑which are not monolithic͒, 6 and hybrid oxide/implant designs 7 can also be employed to create single mode VCSELs.…”

Feedback-induced chaos and intensity-noise enhancement in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

“…An important consideration for such applications is the behavior of VCSEL's under feedback conditions, since some light is invariably reflected back into the VCSEL. Indeed, linewidth narrowing and broadening, 3 threshold change, [4][5][6] mode hopping, and coherence collapse 7 have been experimentally observed. In particular, VCSEL's experience relative-intensity-noise (RIN) degradation under feedback conditions.…”