Low-threshold continuous-wave operation of an oxide-confined vertical cavity surface emitting laser based on a quantum dot active region and half-wave cavity

Data are presented on vertical cavity surface emitting lasers that use an InGaAlAs quantum dot active region and oxide-confinement. Continuous-wave room temperature operation is achieved at a wavelength of 9510 Angstrom with a threshold current of 235 mu A for a 7 mu m square oxide aperture. Electroluminescence from similar active regions without a cavity shows that lasing occurs on the three-dimensionally confined quantum dot electronic states.