88 degrees C, continuous-wave operation of apertured, intracavity contacted, 1.55 mu m vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

We demonstrate a lattice-matched 1.55 mum vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser operating continuous wave up to 88 degreesC. The laser employs AlAsSb -based mirrors, which provide high reflectivity and lattice matching to InP . The poor electrical and thermal conductivity of these mirrors is circumve nted by utilizing an InP double-intracavity contacted structure. Benefits o f the intracavity contacts are addressed by comparing the characteristics w ith the alternative contact scheme where current is injected through the Sb -based mirrors. Current and optical confinement is provided by an undercut aperture. The device shows a threshold current of 800 muA, a differential e fficiency of 23%, and a maximum output power of over 1 mW at 20 degreesC. ( C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.