CW operation of monolithic arrays of surface-emitting AlGaAs diode lasers with dry-etched vertical facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors

Abstract
A monolithic two-dimensional array of surface-emitting AlGaAs diode lasers with dry-etched vertical facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors was mounted junction-side up on a W/Cu microchannel heatsink and evaluated under continuous-wave (CW) operating conditions. Both the facets and parabolic deflecting mirrors were etched using chlorine ion-beam-assisted etching. Threshold current densities of different sections of the array were consistently around 240 A/cm/sup 2/, and measured CW differential quantum efficiencies were in the 46-48% range. CW power densities as high as 148 W/cm/sup 2/ were achieved with an average temperature rise of less than 25 degrees C in this junction-side-up configuration.<>