Abstract: A vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is disclosed. The VCSEL includes a layer that at least partially defines an optical cavity having an optical axis. The VCSEL further includes a resonant reflector layer extending across at least part of the optical cavity. The resonant reflector layer has a refractive index that does not abruptly change laterally across the optical cavity. The refractive index of the resonant reflector layer includes contributions from a first material having a first refractive index and a second material having a second refractive index. At least one of the first material and the second material includes a polymer.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is employed that is directed to forming a resonant reflector on an optoelectronic device, such as a semiconductor laser for example. The exemplary method involves depositing a first material layer on the top layer of the optoelectronic device, where the first material layer having a refractive index and a thickness of about an odd multiple of a quarter of a wavelength to which the optoelectronic device is tuned. A patterned region is then created that extends at least partially into the first material layer. Selected patterned regions are at least partially filled with a second material that has a refractive index that is greater than the refractive index of the first material layer. Finally, a third layer, having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first material layer, is deposited immediately adjacent the first material layer.

Abstract: A laser is provided that includes a top mirror layer upon which a resonant reflector is situated. The resonant reflector includes a first material layer having a thickness that is about an odd multiple of a quarter of the wavelength to which the laser is tuned. Patterned regions extend into the first material layer so that the thickness of the first material layer in the patterned regions is reduced. Some patterned regions are at least partially filled with a second material having a refractive index that is greater than the refractive index of the first material layer. The second material also has a thickness of about an odd multiple of a quarter of the wavelength to which the laser is tuned. Finally, a third layer positioned immediately adjacent the first material layer has a refractive index that is greater than the refractive index of the first material layer.

Abstract: Improved resonant reflectors are provided for increased mode control of optoelectronic devices. Some of the resonant reflectors provide improved mode control while not requiring significant additional processing steps, making them ideal for commercial applications. Other resonant reflectors reduce or eliminate abrupt changes in the reflectively of the resonant reflector across an optical cavity of an optoelectronic device, allowing them to reduce or eliminate undesirable diffraction effects that are common in many resonant reflectors.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a device having a first portion with at least one quantum well, where the first portion emits light, a spacer layer, and a second portion with an amplifying region with at least one quantum well, where the device is configured so that the spacer layer transmits the light beam emitted by the first portion and the amplifying region increases the intensity of the light beam. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a vertical cavity surface emitting laser having the steps of, forming a first portion, having at least one quantum well, that emits light, forming a spacer layer made of a material that is transmissive of light emitted from the first portion, forming a second portion having at least one quantum well, where the second portion is positioned over the spacer layer and the spacer layer is positioned over the first portion.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a device having a first portion with at least one quantum well, where the first portion emits light, a spacer layer, and a second portion with an amplifying region with at least one quantum well, where the device is configured so that the spacer layer transmits the light beam emitted by the first portion and the amplifying region increases the intensity of the light beam. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a vertical cavity surface emitting laser having the steps of, forming a first portion, having at least one quantum well, that emits light, forming a spacer layer made of a material that is transmissive of light emitted from the first portion, forming a second portion having at least one quantum well, where the second portion is positioned over the spacer layer and the spacer layer is positioned over the first portion.

Abstract: Improved resonant reflectors are provided for increased mode control of optoelectronic devices. Some of the resonant reflectors provide improved mode control while not requiring significant additional processing steps, making them ideal for commercial applications. Other resonant reflectors reduce or eliminate abrupt changes in the reflectively of the resonant reflector across an optical cavity of an optoelectronic device, allowing them to reduce or eliminate undesirable diffraction effects that are common in many resonant reflectors.