Progress in the design and development of AlGalnP visible VCSELs

The design of visible vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VVCSELs) is improved by using numerical simulations based on the drift-diffusion model which take into account such specific features of the VVCSELs as multiple i nterfaces and indirect bandgaps in the distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs). The simulation procedures have been tested and refined by comparison with experimental measurements on edge-emitting lasers. These results have been used to analyse a range of design alterations for VVCSELs. VVCSEL structure s based on the new designs have been fabricated and show improved character istics over previous designs, in good agreement with the predicted values.