Stable Single Mode Oxide Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers

This proposal describes a program to identify, simulate and test oxide-based intracavity structures to optimize stable single-mode emission in vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). Laterally-oxidized intracavity layers will be tailored using Picolight proprietary methods to optimize efficient single-mode emission in a manufacturable process. The Phase I objectives include: 1) specify the desired VCSEL beam characteristics and lens type; 2) identify all the intracavity "tools" which can contribute to the optimized cavity; 3) perform a 1st order design; 4) perform rigorous simulations using EMF1ex to refine the design; 5) fabricate structures using the refined design; 6) test the fabricated structures and evaluate the results; and 7) develop the commercialization and Phase 11 plans. The Phase I Option will perform further simulations and produce a fully-refined VCSEL design ready for fabrication at the outset of the Phase 11 program. The Phase 11 program will begin by fabricating 980nm VCSELs and will extend the technology to 1.3-1.5514m VCSELs.