A novel real-index guided InGaAlP visible laser diode with a small beam astigmatism has been developed. The laser is characterized by a slab-coupled waveguide structure with self-aligned current confinement. The laser was fabricated with a two-step metalorganic chemical vapor deposition process. The laser exhibited stable fundamental transverse mode oscillation with a threshold current as low as 40 mA and a lasing wavelength of 670 nm. As a result of real-index guiding, a small beam astigmatism less than 2-mu-m has been achieved. The laser exhibited a stable operation for 2000 hours under 3 mW at 30-degrees-C.