Demonstration of enhanced side-mode suppression in metal-filled photonic crystal vertical cavity lasers.

Previously reported simulations have suggested that depositing thin layers of metal over the surface of a single-mode, etched air hole photonic crystal (PhC) vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) could potentially improve the laser's side-mode suppression ratio by introducing additional losses to the higher-order modes. This work demonstrates the concept by presenting the results of a 30 nm thin film of Cr deposited on the surface of an implant-confined PhC VCSEL. Both experimental measurements and simulation results are in agreement showing that the single-mode operation is improved at the same injection current ratio relative to threshold.

Two-dimensional integration of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser and photodetectors for position sensing.

Noncontact long-range position sensing is desirable for a number of applications. We have designed and fabricated a monolithically integrated vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and p-type/intrinsic/n-type (PIN) photodetectors for optical position sensing. Calculations using the reflection from a periodic metallic corrugation as a position gauge indicate resolution in the submicron regime. High device uniformity is obtained using novel fabrication techniques. We observe a threshold current of 0.52 mA for the VCSELs and a detector responsivity of 0.38 A/W at 840 nm. The optical cross talk between VCSELs and detectors is also quantified.