Limitations of power outputs from continuously operating GaAs-Ga1−xAlxAs double-heterostructure lasers

Abstract
Reported here are the results of measurements of several factors limiting the maximum output from GaAs‐Ga1−xAlxAs double‐heterostructure injection lasers under continuous operation at room temperature. The factors are (i) catastrophic damage to the mirror facets and (ii) saturation of the output power due to self‐heating. Threshold optical density for catastrophic damage is 1.1 MW/cm2, and 390 mW is obtained from one mirror of a DH laser with a 80‐μ‐wide stripe under continuous operation. It is emphasized that DH lasers with a very thin active layer are attractive in order to achieve high‐power operation.