Cavity optimization of optically pumped broad-area microcavity lasers

We demonstrate a cavity optimization method for efficient optical pumping of a semiconductor microcavity. An enhanced pumping efficiency makes it possible to pump broad-area microcavities for, e.g., high-power lasers or parallel optical processing of information. This is especially important in the near-infrared where a pump not absorbed into the active material is absorbed into the substrate and converted into heat. We apply the method to optical pumping of a 80μm diameter laser with a spatially uniform pump profile. This method could also prove useful for the design of vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers.