Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for information sharing via a virtual shared area in a communication network. The system includes a virtual shared area having a unique electronic identifier, the shared area being controlled by an owner for permitting access to information in the shared area by multiple users. The users are allowed to connect to the shared area and transfer at least a portion of the information to a user device. The owner initiates a control-sharing of the information and shares with all the users if the users maintain a communication link with the virtual shared area. Multiple users can control the shared area in a predetermined manner as well.

Abstract: A semiconductor ridge waveguide laser having a high value of horizontal far-field wherein the laser structure includes a substrate, a first or lower cladding layer composed of a AlGaAs on the substrate, an acting layer on the lower cladding layer, and a second or upper cladding layer composed of AlGaAs on the active layer. The upper cladding layer includes a raised ridge portion formed by etching the upper cladding layer through a mask. A contact layer is disposed on top of the ridge portion. The aluminum mole concentration of the lower cladding layer is greater than the aluminum mole concentration of the upper cladding layer. This forces the optical mode towards the upper cladding layer and results in an increased lateral waveguide confinement that produces a high horizontal far-field.