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Visible-wavelength semiconductor lasers and arrays

Patent ·
OSTI ID:372597

The visible semiconductor laser includes an InAlGaP active region surrounded by one or more AlGaAs layers on each side, with carbon as the sole p-type dopant. Embodiments of the invention are provided as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and as edge-emitting lasers (EELs). One or more transition layers comprised of a substantially indium-free semiconductor alloy such as AlAsP, AlGaAsP, or the like may be provided between the InAlGaP active region and the AlGaAS DBR mirrors or confinement layers to improve carrier injection and device efficiency by reducing any band offsets. Visible VCSEL devices fabricated according to the invention with a one-wavelength-thick (1{lambda}) optical cavity operate continuous-wave (cw) with lasing output powers up to 8 mW, and a peak power conversion efficiency of up to 11%. 5 figs.

Research Organization:
Sandia Corporation
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,557,627/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-444,462
OSTI ID:
372597
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English