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.