We report a novel long wavelength(1.55 mu m) vertical cavity laser using a current constricting AlAs oxidation layer. The devices exhibit record low room temperature continuous wave (cw) threshold current(1.3 mA) and highest cw operating temperature reported for long wavelength VCLs(39 degrees C). Wafer fusion is used to combined seven strain compensated InGaAsP wells between two Al(Ga)As/GaAs quarter wave mirrors. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.