Red Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Technology

Abstract

Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) have over the last few years become a commercial reality. By far the most successful devices are those operating at 850 nm for use in high-speed data communication applications. However, considerable commercial opportunities also exist for VCSELs that can operate at the longer telecommunications wavelengths as well as opportunities at the shorter visible wavelengths of around 650 nm. VCSELs operating at both these wavelength bands have severe technological difficulties to over come before they match the performance and success of their near infra-red cousins. This paper will describe in particular the evolution of visible (red) VCSELs, indicating the technical issues that must still be resolved and the future prospects for these devices.