Applications and performance of VCSELs

Abstract

The unique attributes of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diodes have generated research and commercial interest worldwide. The near term product applications of implanted VCSELs presently center around optical data transmission. VCSELs are considered to be light-emitting diode replacements with respect to packaging and optical coupling, but will also enable very high modulation rate and high efficiency. The use of buried oxide layers for electrical and optical confinement has produced remarkable performance advances of interest for emerging applications. Future applications will leverage high efficiency VCSELs, 2-dimensional VCSEL arrays, and integration with microelectronics.