Abstract

The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is both a natural tool for the investigation of microcavity physics and a technologically important device. Recent experiments and theoretical efforts have indicated that microcavity physics plays an important role in establishing the lasing threshold of VCSELs. The reduction of lasing threshold is primarily driven by the reduced photon density of states inherent in short cavities, which directs more of the spontaneous emission (SpE) onto the optical axis. Recent experiments^1,2 on VCSEL SpE have, relied on different growth conditions to effect changes in cavity length. This technique is subject to material variations. This limitation can be overcome by introducing an external mirror which allows the resonator length to be changed without impacting other semiconductor properties.

© 1996 Optical Society of America