Comparisons between potential nano-cavity laser diode technologies: intrinsic losses and laser design (Conference Presentation)

Abstract

Nanocavity laser diodes and especially nano-VCSELs will fill a need for future laser diodes used in data communications, sensing, and materials processing that can be more efficient and higher speed. In this talk we will contrast the key physical requirements of the future laser diodes that have nano-scale cavity volumes than now possible with today's commercial laser diodes, along with the needed laser diode physics for the new technology. Key parameters include scaled values from today's commercial laser diodes but with higher speed, higher efficiency, operating temperature and reliability, and a host of other improved parameters. The analysis shows that much of the benefits will come from being able to drive the nano-cavity laser diodes to higher current density. Parameters such as laser diode reliability can be improved. The ability to drive the nano-cavity laser diode to much higher current density and stimulated emission rate than now possible could lead to new physical regimes of laser diode operation. The high drive levels will create the operating conditions needed to observe Rabi oscillation, but in an operating laser cavity. Increased reliability can also be possible due to improved heat flow and reduced mechanical stress in the nano-cavity lasers.