Abstract

Ultralow threshold current vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) will enable practical laser-based smart pixels. Such devices have emerged through the application of monolithically integrated native oxides of AlGaAs¹ as current constriction and mode control layers^2–6 and as high-contrast Bragg reflectors^7,8 In this paper we will demonstrate and analyze the role of the oxide in current constriction and optical field control to predict the scaling of VCSELs to microamp thresholds. In addition, we will demonstrate and analyze the impact of high-contrast AlAs oxide/GaAs Bragg mirrors formed by selective oxidation on the performance of VCSELs and study the tradeoffs in device characteristics that arise from use of electrically insulating mirrors.

© 1996 Optical Society of America