THERMAL-PROPERTIES OF ETCHED-WELL SURFACE-EMITTING SEMICONDUCTOR-LASERS

A new comprehensive two-dimensional model for analysis of thermal effects in etched-well vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers is presented. Self-consistency between electrical and thermal processes is achieved. Joule heating is shown to play a key role in thermal behavior of these devices. Substantial mismatch between current density and optical field profiles can be remedied by proper doping of top cladding layer. A simple way to control the sign and strength of thermal wave-guiding is suggested. Consequences for large-scale two-dimensional integration are indicated.