GaAs/GaAlAs quantum well laser with a lateral spatial variation in thickness grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

Abstract
A self-aligned GaAs/GaAlAs tapered laser with a tapered quantum well active region is described. The laser is grown by low pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition in a horizontal reactor. The effect of the tapered quantum well is in concentrating the injected charges in the modal volume and thus 6.2 mA threshold current is obtained. At a high power level the laser operates in single longitudinal and transversal modes.