Detailed study of AlAs-oxidized apertures in VCSEL cavities for optimized modal performance

• Published in: IEEE journal of quantum electronics Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 358 - 367
• Main Authors: Demeulenaere, B., Bienstman, P., Dhoedt, B., Baets, R.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-03-1999; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Apertures; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Gain; Holes; Laser modes; Laser theory; Lasers; Mathematical models; Maxwell's equations; Optical diffraction; Optical pumping; Optical sensors; Optical surface waves; Optics; Oxides; Physics; Quantum electronics; Semiconductor lasers; Semiconductor lasers; laser diodes; Surface emitting lasers; Thresholds; Vertical cavity surface emission lasers; Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers; Aluminium arsenides; Vertical cavity laser; Distributed Bragg reflector lasers; Ion implantation; Semiconductor lasers; Surface emitting lasers; Theoretical study; Binary compounds; Laser modes; Modelling; Oxidation
• ISSN: 0018-9197; 1558-1713
• DOI: 10.1109/3.748841

We present a numerical optical model for calculating threshold material gain in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers. It is based on a vectorial solution of Maxwell's equations and therefore gives exact results where other approaches fail, e.g., in the case of oxide-confined devices, which have high lateral index contrasts. Results are given concerning the influence of oxide window thickness and position on threshold gain and modal stability. We also propose an intuitive plane-wave model to enhance the physical understanding of these effects.