Vcsels

The huge progress which has been achieved in the field is covered here, in the first comprehensive monograph on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) since eight years. Apart from chapters reviewing the research field and the laser fundamentals, there are comprehensive updates on red and blue emitting VCSELs, telecommunication VCSELs, optical transceivers, and parallel-optical links for computer interconnects. Entirely new contributions are made to the fields of vectorial three-dimensional optical modeling, single-mode VCSELs, polarization control, polarization dynamics, very-high-speed design, high-power emission, use of high-contrast gratings, GaInNAsSb long-wavelength VCSELs, optical video links, VCSELs for optical mice and sensing, as well as VCSEL-based laser printing. The book appeals to researchers, optical engineers and graduate students.

The transmission speed of data communication systems is forecast to increase exponentially over the next decade. Development of both Si-based high-speed drivers as well as III-V-semiconductor-based high-speed vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are prerequisites for future ultrahigh data-rate systems. This thesis presents: - a survey of the present state of the art of VCSELs - a systematic investigation of the various effects limiting present VCSELs - a catalogue of solutions to overcome present limits - detailed progress in modelling, fabricating and testing the currently most advanced VCSELs at the two commercially most important wavelengths.

This dissertation provides the first systematic analysis of the dynamic energy efficiency of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for optical interconnects, a key technology to address the pressing ecological and economic issues of the exponentially growing energy consumption in data centers. Energy-efficient data communication is one of the most important fields in “Green Photonics” enabling higher bit rates at significantly reduced energy consumption per bit. In this thesis the static and dynamic properties of GaAs-based oxide-confined VCSELs emitting at 850 nm and 980 nm are analyzed and general rules for achieving energy-efficient data transmission using VCSELs at any wavelength are derived. These rules are verified in data transmission experiments leading to record energy-efficient data transmission across a wide range of multimode optical fiber distances and at high temperatures up to 85°C. Important trade-offs between energy efficiency, temperature stability, modulation bandwidth, low current-density operation and other VCSEL properties are revealed and discussed.

Frequency standards or clocks provide time references for a wide range of applications such as synchronization of communication networks, remote sensing and global positioning. Over the last couple of decades, demands on the data rates of many communication systems have substantially increased, imposing more restricted requirements on the stability of their timing devices. At the same time applications have become more mobile, increasing the demand for small and low-power clocks. Atomic clocks have provided the most stable frequency references for more than 50 years. However, the size and power requirements of microwave-cavity-based atomic clocks prohibit them from being portable and battery-operated. Hence, research on miniaturized atomic clocks (MACs) has been initiated by various research groups. A European research project on MACs, funded by the European commission started in 2008. This dissertation reports on the achievements within the European research project in the development of suitable lasers for such atomic clocks. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are compelling light sources for MACs because of their low power consumption, high modulation bandwidth, and favorable beam characteristics. VCSELs must feature polarization-stable single-mode emission. Additionally, they must provide narrow linewidth emission at a center wavelength of about 894.6nm and be well suited for harmonic modulation at about 4.6GHz in order to employ coherent population trapping effect at the cesium D1 line. The polarization orientation of the emitted light of a standard VCSEL is a priori unknown. Polarization control is achieved by etching a shallow surface grating in the top Bragg mirror. For the purpose of integration with the clock microsystem, flip-chip-bondable VCSEL designs are realized. Such designs facilitate a straightforward mounting and make the electrical contacts high-frequency compatible.

A hands-on reference to the technical, commercial, and industrial aspects of VCSEL technology In VCSEL Industry: Communication and Sensing, a team of distinguished researchers and manufacturing professionals deliver a thorough and practical reference guide to vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for young entrepreneurs, investors, venture capitalists, and researchers. The authors offer comprehensive descriptions of the technology involved, as well as a robust exploration of the industry and commercial landscape in which VCSELs exist. The book contains numerous illustrations and schematics of the anatomy of VCSEL product developments and an insightful discussion of the proliferation of VCSELs in photonics and optics. There is also a dedicated section on photoreceivers used for VCSEL-based data communications and sensing. VCSEL Industry: Communication and Sensing provides readers with an accessible, commercial perspective of an important technology while offering just enough technical detail to make sense of the subject. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to VCSELs, including discussions of semiconductor lasers, materials, wavelengths, and why VCSELs are attractive for photonics applications Comprehensive explorations of the VCSEL industry, including market demands, an industry landscape, descriptions of commercial products based on VCSELs, and business models Practical discussions of VCSELs for data communication, including high-speed VCSELs, gain and parasitic effects on bandwidth and speed, and form factors and standards In-depth examinations of VCSEL arrays for sensing, including high-power VCSELs in consumer electronics Perfect for early-career researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, investors, and managers, VCSEL Industry: Communication and Sensing will also prove to be an invaluable addition to the libraries of executives from across the semiconductor industry.

This book, first published in 1999, provides a comprehensive description of the physics, design, fabrication, characterization, and applications of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.

A practical, hands-on guidebook for the efficient modeling of VCSELs Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) are a unique type of semiconductor laser whose optical output is vertically emitted from the surface as opposed to conventional edge-emitting semiconductor lasers. Complex in design and expensive to produce, VCSELs nevertheless represent an already widely used laser technology that promises to have even more significant applications in the future. Although the research has accelerated, there have been relatively few books written on this important topic. Analysis and Design of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers seeks to encapsulate this growing body of knowledge into a single, comprehensive reference that will be of equal value for both professionals and academics in the field. The author, a recognized expert in the field of VCSELs, attempts to clarify often conflicting assumptions in order to help readers achieve the simplest and most efficient VCSEL models for any given problem. Highlights of the text include: * A clear and comprehensive theoretical treatment of VCSELs * Detailed derivations for understanding the operational principles of VCSELs * Mathematical models for the investigation of electrical, optical, and thermal properties of VCSELs * Case studies on the mathematical modeling of VCSELs and the implementation of simulation programs

This report examines the development of the diode laser industry over a six-year period, 2000 to 2005, incorporating analysis of trends in markets, technologies and industry structure. It is designed to provide key information to users and manufacturers of substrates, epitaxial wafers (epiwafers) and devices. The coverage includes components, laser diodes, and the semiconducting (SC) wafers and epiwafers on which most of these devices are made. The geographical coverage of the report includes North America, Japan and Europe, which together will account for over 90% of the production and consumption of diode laser materials and devices over the next five years. However, many other countries have activities in this field including South-East Asia (Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia etc), China, India, Australia and Eastern Europe (Russia, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic) amongst others. Activities in these countries are commented on in the text where relevant, but are not quantified in the market data. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the market study. Chapter 2 contains an executive summary. Chapter 3 overviews materials markets. The size, quality, and particularly the price, of substrates and wafers are key factors in determining the ability of companies to produce competitive laser products. Chapter 3 also examines trends in materials technologies for laser diodes, the impact of the device markets on wafer demand, and the main suppliers. This chapter introduces the semiconductor materials that are presently or will likely become important to the fabrication of diode laser devices. The principal distinguishing properties of these materials are explained with reference to their application. Chapter 4 chapter examines the basic application sectors for laser diode devices as well as the basic commercial opportunities, changes and forces acting within each sector. The chapter also examines the market for the basic types of device as well as the promising newer types. For each type of device, market data and forecasts are provided and future prospects described. The application data are presented for the following industrial groups: • Automotive • Computers • Consumer • Industrial • Military and Aerospace • Telecommunications • Others A full 5-year forecast and analysis is provided by application and region. Chapter 5 is a technology overview. In this chapter a background and overview of developments in the principal technological R&D and production processes for devices is provided. The main focus is on the most important enabling technology for the production of the present and future generations of laser diodes and related devices. This process is crystal growth and involves the following sequence: • Bulk growth of single crystals • Epitaxial growth of semiconductor single crystal layers • Ion implantation • Device fabrication, ie gate and contact formation, etc • Packaging & test Chapter 6 profiles substrate suppliers, epiwafers suppliers and merchant and captive producers of GaAs devices. Chapter 7 lists universities and selected industrial labs involved in the areas of diode laser research. Chapter 8 is a directory of suppliers. Chapter 9 provides acronyms and exchange rates. For a PDF version of the report please call Tina Enright on +44 (0) 1865 843008 for price details.