Abstract

With the realization of cw low-threshold vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL’s),^1,2 fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) arrays has also intensified.³ Large independently addressable 2D arrays with uniform optical and electrical characteristics have applications in high-capacity switching systems, optical data links, smart pixel logics, and back-plane computer-interconnect technology. Here we present 2D arrays with a threshold current of 4.2∓0.2 mA, a threshold voltage of 2.65∓0.1 V, and output power in excess of 2 mW for the individual elements of the array. The array elements lase as high as 90°C, and 1000 h of operation has been observed (still going).

© 1993 Optical Society of America