Abstract
The understanding of the limitations in the switching speed and the resulting mode behavior of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is important for its use in high speed optoelectronics. Previous studies have emphasized the speed limitations associated with the gain region and photon lifetime as set by the cavity length and mirror reflectivities [1,2]. Here we present data demonstrating the additionally strong interdependence of the transverse mode structure of the cavity and the temporal response of lasing, and show that the gain-switched response of the VCSEL can be substantially improved through the use of high contrast mirrors. The interdependence of the transverse mode structure and laser speed is demonstrated through direct comparisons of laser structures with differing gain regions and cavity designs.
© 1995 Optical Society of America
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