Efficient, narrow-linewidth distributed-Bragg-reflector surface-emitting laser with periodic gain

Abstract
Efficient, narrow-line emission from a novel vertical cavity distributed-Bragg-reflector surface-emitting laser with gain segments periodically placed on standing-wave maxima has been obtained. Clean single-longitudinal-mode spectra with <2 AA linewidths, sharp output/input characteristics, and thresholds below those of analogous all GaAs active region devices have been obtained by optical pumping. Theoretical calculations indicate the optimum number of quantum wells and mirror reflectives for best threshold and efficiency.