Source: Walter Schottky Institut – Technische Universität München

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Semiconductor Lasers: A Comprehensive Overview

Types of Semiconductor Lasers

Semiconductor lasers can be categorized into two main classes:

1. Edge-Emitting Lasers

Edge-emitting lasers, also known as in-plane lasers, emit light along the wafer surface of the semiconductor chip. The light is usually reflected or coupled out at a cleaved edge. These lasers are widely used and have a resonator length ranging from micrometers to millimeters.

2. Surface-Emitting Lasers

Surface-emitting lasers emit light perpendicular to the semiconductor wafer surface. They offer unique advantages in certain applications.

Edge-Emitting Semiconductor Lasers

Edge-emitting lasers are the traditional form of semiconductor lasers. The laser beam is guided in a waveguide structure within the laser. A double heterostructure is commonly used to confine carriers and guide the optical field, resulting in low threshold pump power and high efficiency.

Depending on the waveguide properties, edge-emitting lasers can achieve either high beam quality with limited output power or high output power with lower beam quality.

Applications and Considerations

Semiconductor lasers find applications in various fields such as telecommunications, materials processing, and medical devices. The choice between edge-emitting and surface-emitting lasers depends on the specific requirements of the application.

Engineers and researchers continue to explore new designs and technologies to improve the performance and versatility of semiconductor lasers.

Conclusion

Semiconductor lasers play a crucial role in modern technology and have a wide range of applications. Understanding the differences between edge-emitting and surface-emitting lasers is essential for utilizing them effectively in different scenarios.

Source: Phys.org
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