Polarization-resolved characterization of long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser parameters

Abstract

A measurement of the parameters characterizing polarization behavior of a 1550 nm single transverse mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is presented from the analysis of CW high-resolution optical spectra. Current-induced polarization switching (PS) is observed in our device. A minimum in the absolute value of the effective dichroism is observed at the PS point. The value of the effective birefringence has a discontinuity at the current at which PS is observed. Birefringence oscillations with the bias current are also observed. PS characteristics are used for the extraction of the parameters describing the polarization behavior of the VCSEL. Obtained values of the spontaneous emission fraction and spin-flip rate are larger than those typically used in theoretical modeling of these devices.