Single mode cw operation of 658nm AlGaInP lasers based on longitudinal photonic band gap crystal

GaInP–AlGaInP lasers with broad waveguide based on a longitudinal photonic band gap crystal have been studied. Lasers with 10μm stripe width exhibit single transverse mode operation. The vertical beam divergence is about 8° and is insensitive to the drive current. The aspect ratio is ∼2:1. The quality factor for the lateral beam M2 is less than 2 in single mode regime under pulsed excitation. The total maximum continuous wave output power in the single mode regime at 20°C is more than 115mW (for high reflection/antireflection facet coatings), indicating a dramatic reduction in the catastrophic optical mirror damage problem.