Laser diode reliability: crystal defects and degradation modes

Degradation analysis is a crucial issue for the improvement of high power laser diodes. Degradation occurs in three different modes: rapid, gradual and catastrophic. It can be located inside the cavity or at the facet mirrors. Each type of degradation presents its own signature and different crystal defects appear associated with them. The main physical mechanisms responsible for laser degradation are analysed showing the relation between the main degradation modes and the different materials properties of the laser structures.