Characteristics of single-mode InGaAs sub-monolayer quantum-dot photonic-crystal VCSELs emitting in the 990 nm range

Abstract

We have made InGaAs sub-monolayer (SML) quantum dot photonic crystal vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (QD PhC-VCSELs) for fiber-optic applications. The active region of the device contains three InGaAs SML QD layers. Each of the InGaAs SML QD layer is formed by alternate deposition of InAs (< 1 ML) and GaAs. Single fundamental mode CW output power of 3.8 mW at 28 mA has been achieved in the 990 nm range, with a threshold current of 0.9 mA. Side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) larger than 35 dB has been demonstrated over the entire current operation range. Near-field images of the PhC-VCSELs were also measured and studied.