We have developed a novel three-contact vertical-cavity surface-emitting la
ser (VCSEL) with an intracavity absorber for use in high-speed data communi
cations, We demonstrate two distinct designs for our VCSEL and discuss the
device physics underlying the behaviors of the two designs. Furthermore, me
demonstrate a wide range of applications for these VCSEL's, including opti
cal intensity modulation, phase and amplitude modulation of a microwave opt
ical subcarrier, optical bistability, self-pulsation, and optical disk read
out.