Abstract: Modulated integrated optically pumped vertical cavity surface emitting lasers are formed by integrating an electrically pumped semiconductor laser and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) together with a means of direct modulation of the electrically pumped semiconductor laser. In the preferred embodiments, the electrically pumped semiconductor laser is a type of folded cavity surface emitting laser (FCSEL). In a number of embodiments, the FCSEL is partitioned into two sections by a gap in material layers. In these embodiments, one section of the FCSEL is biased so as to maintain the generation of photons at a constant power level to pump the optically pumped VCSEL while the second section of the FCSEL is used for modulation and causes the optically pumped VCSEL to be modulated above the threshold. In another embodiment, an electric-absorption modulator is sandwiched between an electrically pumped FCSEL and an optically pumped VCSEL.

Abstract: A method of screening semicondutor laser devices which fail due to sudden deterioration and initial failures. Semiconductor laser devices are screened by thermal cycling wherein the devices are kept at a high temperature and a low temperature alternately while supplying a driving current.