Abstract

In order to achieve efficient coupling of the light output from an injection laser into a low-loss single-mode optical fiber, single transverse-mode operation of the laser is essential. Past efforts have been directed toward lateral current confinement by use of stripe contact⁽¹⁾, mesa structure⁽²⁾ and diffusion-isolation methods⁽³⁾. More recently, the feasibility of forming optical-waveguide⁽⁴⁾ in the plane of the junction by LPE techniques has been explored, and lasers operated single-mode were demonstrated up to twice the threshold current. In this work we report single transverse-mode operation of a laser with an embedded stripe grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The superior lateral confinement of injected current enabled the laser to operate in a single mode up to six times threshold.

© 1976 Optical Society of America