SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal describes a program to identify, simulate and test oxide-based intracavity structures to optimize stable single-mode emission in vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). Laterally-oxidized intracavity layers will be tailored using Picolight proprietary methods to optimize efficient single-mode emission in a manufacturable process. The Phase I objectives include: 1) specify the desired VCSEL beam characteristics and lens type; 2) identify all the intracavity "tools" which can contribute to the optimized cavity; 3) perform a 1st order design; 4) perform rigorous simulations using EMF1ex to refine the design; 5) fabricate structures using the refined design; 6) test the fabricated structures and evaluate the results; and 7) develop the commercialization and Phase 11 plans. The Phase I Option will perform further simulations and produce a fully-refined VCSEL design ready for fabrication at the outset of the Phase 11 program. The Phase 11 program will begin by fabricating 980nm VCSELs and will extend the technology to 1.3-1.5514m VCSELs.

Building upon the highly successful Phase I simulations and experimental verification, the proposed Phase II program will develop a high-efficiency single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lase (VCSEL) emitting at 1.3 micron wavelengths. Such VCSELs are highly sought after in the general areas of fiber communications (short-to-mid-distance telecom) and gas sensing. The Phase II program will iteratively designed improved single-mode VCSELs aided by a rigorous electromagnetic simulation program, then fabricate and test the VCSELs. Part of each iteration will be to compare the simulated and experimental results in order to better interpret the simulation results. The goal is to produce a 1.3 micron single-mode VCSEL having at least 1mV output power at temperatures up to 85 degrees C. The Phase II Option Program calls for fabrication of the VCSELs using a Picolight-developed manufacturable oxidation process. The 1.3 micron VCSELs are targeted for ise in fiber optic transmitters for campuses, military bases, ships and metropolitan networks. Similar VCSELs emitting at 1.4 or 1.6 microns will be used for monitoring gasses such as carbon monoxide of carbon dioxide.

Benefits:
Stable-single-mode VCSELs emitting at 1.3 micron wavelengths will be manufactured at a low cost and will compete favorably in short-to-mid-distance telecom markets. Single-mode telecom transmitters at 1.3 microns have a $432M/year market forecast for year 2000. Gas sensor markets are less well-defined, but have potential to be even greater than telecom markets.

Keywords:
Surface-emitting lasers Oxide VCSELs Low-threshold lasers Long-wavelength VCSELs Optical fiber communication Spectroscopic sensors Wavelength division multiplexing Single-mode lasers