Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers for Optical Data Storage

Abstract
The application of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) diodes for optical data storage has been investigated. VCSELs suitable for compact disc optical heads have been designed and fabricated. A photo diode for optical power monitoring is integrated in a VCSEL chip, and a holographic optical head using VCSEL is also manufactured. Single transverse mode operation up to 1.5 mW shows good performance.