VCSELs with a novel integrated quantum-well absorber

Sui F. Lim; Janice A. Hudgings; Gabriel S. Li; Wupen Yuen; Kam Y. Lau; Constance J. Chang-Hasnain

doi:10.1117/12.305453

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20 April 1998 VCSELs with a novel integrated quantum-well absorber

Sui F. Lim, Janice A. Hudgings, Gabriel S. Li, Wupen Yuen, Kam Y. Lau, Constance J. Chang-Hasnain

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Proceedings Volume 3286, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers II; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.305453
Event: Optoelectronics and High-Power Lasers and Applications, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The high reflectivity of VCSEL mirrors renders the device very sensitive to small changes int he reflectivity or absorption within the laser cavity. Therefore, the integration of a quantum-well absorber within the VCSEL enables compact, monolithic devices with multiple functions. As a result, the VCSEL exhibits a variety of useful characteristics under different configurations. In this work, we demonstrate the use of a quantum-well absorber within one of the VCSEL mirror stacks. With strategic design and simple biasing circuitry, we have shown experimentally (1) a VCSEL with an integrated quantum-well photodetector, (2) a self-pulsating VCSEL with a controllable quantum-well saturable absorber, and (3) a novel technique for VCSEL modulation where the quantum-well absorption is modulated, thereby modulating the laser light output. The theory, design criteria, experimental results, and potential applications for these devices are discussed.

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Sui F. Lim, Janice A. Hudgings, Gabriel S. Li, Wupen Yuen, Kam Y. Lau, and Constance J. Chang-Hasnain "VCSELs with a novel integrated quantum-well absorber", Proc. SPIE 3286, Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers II, (20 April 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.305453

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