CW Optical Power from (Al·Ga)As Double Heterostructure Lasers

CW optical output power was investigated in (Al·Ga)As double heterostructure lasers. An analysis on CW optical power is presented, and parameters related to device characteristics and heat-sinking are analyzed in order to obtain laser operation with high CW optical power. 20–30 mW CW optical power was obtained routinely from each mirror of lasers with a 15 µm wide stripe and a 250 µm long cavity at a typical operating current of 200 mA. Lasers with a Si heat sink can deliver comparably high CW optical power under proper choice of design parameters. Several lasers delivered 85 mW in CW with a Si heat sink from each mirror at 310 mA, before the catastrophic optical mirror damage occurred. Conditions for long life operation are also discussed.