Nature of optically induced defects in Ga1−xAlxAs–GaAs double-heterojunction laser structures

Abstract
It is shown by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation that the dark line defect (DLD) structure induced by optical pumping of undoped Ga1−xAlxAs–GaAs double‐heterostructure (DH) laser material is identical to the DLD's which develop during laser diode operation of devices fabricated from similar p‐n structure material. This confirms the DLD generation, and subsequent failure of cw laser diodes can be a growth‐related property of Ga1−xAlxAs–GaAs DH laser material and is not necessarily associated with p‐n junction dopants or contact metallization technology.