Monolithic integration of red, blue, and green lasers for smart projection displays

Abstract

Abstract— Novel device structures integrating multiple‐output lasers emitting in red, green, and blue colors are proposed. Active layers emitting red (AlGaAs or InGaAlP), blue (ZnxCd1−xSe), and green (ZnyCd1−ySe) are shown to be integrated monolithically on GaAs substrates using conventional p‐n tunnel junctions and asymmetric resonant tunneling structures. Both edge‐ and surface‐emitting structures are described. Experimental characteristics of two red‐emitting Al0.16Ga0.84As‐Al0.45Ga0.55As‐GaAs lasers, integrated in tandem via a low‐voltage‐drop tunnel junction are presented, demonstrating the feasibility of monolithic integration. Blue‐green lasers are shown to operate at lower voltages using asymmetric resonant tunneling structures between p‐GaAs/p‐ZnSe layers. Integration of surface‐emitting lasers including folded‐cavity and Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) structures is also presented along with simulation of electrical and optical characteristics. An integrated pixel‐addressing methodology is described for smart projection displays.

Image Mode Laser Concept: Materials and Applications

“…[2] Other proposed methods include drop-in replacement of incoherent sources with lasers, [1] raster electron-beam pumping of II±IV semiconductor crystals, [3] and monolithic integration of multiple-output semiconductor lasers. [4] We have developed a laser video projection method that is based on the image mode laser. The transverse mode of this laser creates a desired image that can be projected onto a viewing screen.…”