SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF 1.55 MU-M DOUBLE-FUSED VERTICAL-CAVITY LASERS

Using a comprehensive numerical model, we analyze the first long-wavel ength (1.55 mu m) vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers operating co ntinuous-wave at room temperature (up to 33 degrees C). These double-f used lasers employ strain-compensated InGaAsP multi-quantum wells sand wiched between GaAs/AlGaAs distributed Bragg reflectors that are fused on both sides of the InP spacer. The two-dimensional model includes d rift and diffusion df electrons and holes, finite-element thermal anal ysis, calculation of the internal optical field at threshold, and k.p band structure computations, The simulation shows excellent agreement with a large variety of experimental characteristics. Internal laser p arameters like optical losses and injection efficiency are obtained. T he thermal conductivity of the multilayer mirror is found to be only o ne third of the value expected. Temperature dependent absorption and A uger recombination within the active region as well as lateral leakage currents are identified as dominating loss mechanisms, The analysis s hows great potential for high-temperature operation of double-fused ve rtical-cavity lasers. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.