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Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers: Toward Applications

A. C. Von Lehmen

Recent developments in vertical cavity surface emitting (VCSE) laser device research have made possible for the first time, high yield, one or two dimensional arrays of almost arbitrary size and geometry. This has generated intense interest in application of these devices to optical interconnects, optical data storage, optical scanners, and optical signal processing and computing. To realize the use of VCSE laser arrays in such applications, it is necessary to establish ways of optically or electronically controlling them and to investigate technologies for incorporating them as components in larger electronics systems. This article focuses on recent progress in addressing and integration of MBE-grown VCSE laser arrays toward applications to optical interconnect or signal processing systems.

Publish Date: 01 December 1991