Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for locating target positions within an encoded data stream, where the encoded data stream incorporates special, reserved codewords to represent host data structure information, such as file marks and record boundaries. The encoded data stream can also only be read or decoded in the forwards direction. Incorporation of the special codewords obviates an index associated with the encoded data to support navigation within the encoded data stream. The methods and apparatus locate target positions by decoding the data until the target position is encountered, and provide mechanisms to enable location of target positions that are specified as being backwards, relative to a current position in the encoded data stream.

Abstract: A VCSEL that is adapted to the fabrication of an array of VCSELs. A VCSEL array according to the present invention includes first and second VCSELs for generating light of a predetermined wavelength. Each VCSEL includes a bottom reflector comprising an epitaxial layer of a semiconductor of a first conductivity type, a light generation region and a top reflector comprising a semiconductor of a second conductivity type. A bottom electrode is electrically connected to the bottom reflector, and a top electrode is electrically connected to the top reflector. The bottom electrode is grown on top of a buffer layer having an electrical conductivity less than a predetermined value and a crystalline structure that permits epitaxial growth of the bottom reflector on the buffer layer. The buffer layer may be grown on top of a substrate or be the substrate itself in the case in which a substrate having sufficiently low conductivity is utilized.