Mode dependence on mirror contrast in Fabry-Perot microcavity lasers

Abstract
Data are presented comparing the modal characteristics of short Fabry-Perot lasers having either AlAs/GaAs or higher contrast ZnSe/CaF/sub 2/ mirrors. The far field radiation patterns, thresholds, and spectral characteristics of the lasing modes are studied with a variation of the transverse dimension of the active region. The loss of the lasing mode is studied in each cavity by comparing lasing threshold and transverse dimension of the mode for a range of pump diameters.