GaSb-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with an emission wavelength at 3 μm

GaSb-based electrically pumped vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with a buried tunnel junction emitting at 3 μm are demonstrated. To achieve this, a low optical loss VCSEL concept with an undoped epitaxial distributed Bragg reflector and intracavity contact is presented. The devices operate up to 5°C continuous wave and up to 50°C in pulsed mode. Single-mode operation with a side-mode suppression ratio of 30 dB and electro-thermal tuning range of 19.7 nm is achieved.