Abstract: A nitride-based laser diode structure utilizing a single GaN:Mg waveguide/cladding layer, in place of separate GaN:Mg waveguide and AlGaN:Mg cladding layers used in conventional nitride-based laser diode structures. When formed using an optimal thickness, the GaN:Mg layer produces an optical confinement that is comparable to or better than conventional structures. A thin AlGaN tunnel barrier layer is provided between the multiple quantum well and a lower portion of the GaN:Mg waveguide layer, which suppresses electron leakage without any significant decrease in optical confinement. A split-metal electrode is formed on the GaN:Mg upper waveguide structure to avoid absorption losses in the upper electrode metal. A pair of AlGaN:Si current blocking layer sections are located below the split-metal electrode sections, and separated by a gap located over the active region of the multiple quantum well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring an optical signal from a solid state laser. The method includes the steps of providing a planar substrate defined by opposing planar surfaces and a substrate edge that together define a substrate volume that is transparent to an optical signal from the solid state laser, disposing the solid state laser on one of the opposing planar surfaces the planar substrate such that a first portion of the optical signal travels directly through the planar substrate substantially orthogonal to the opposing planar surfaces and a second portion of the optical signal is reflected between the opposing planar surfaces of the planar substrate and passes out of the substrate through the substrate edge, and disposing an optical detector proximate the edge of the planar substrate to detect the second portion of the optical signal.

Abstract: A circuit for equalizing transmission line loss of a laser drive signal includes a laser driver, a laser diode, and a transmission line for connecting the laser driver to the laser diode. The laser driver includes a differential pair of transistors, a modulation current source and two sets of source impedance circuits. Each set of source impedance circuits is configured to produce a frequency response for compensating the frequency response of the lossy transmission line at a distinct corresponding operating frequency. The set of source impedance circuits may be tuned to generate approximately zero impedance when the operating frequency is approximately zero. Hence a lower voltage power supply can be used to power both the laser driver and the laser diode, which in turn reduces the power consumption of the circuit.