Optically-pumped multiple-quantum well active region with improved distribution of optical pumping power

摘要

An optically-pumped (OP) multiple quantum well (MQW) active region is disposed in an optical cavity of an OP VCSEL, which generates laser light at a lasing wavelength. The OP VCSEL receives pump light at a first end of the optical cavity. A plurality of quantum well (QW) groups are equally spaced within the active region to correspond in position with antinodes of a standing wave of the lasing wavelength in the optical cavity. The QW groups include a first QW group that is closest to the first end of the optical cavity, and a last QW group that is farthest from the first end of the optical cavity. A plurality of equally thick intermediate absorbing layers are disposed between adjacent QW groups. A last absorbing layer is disposed adjacent to the side of the last QW group farthest away from the first end of the optical cavity. A first absorbing layer is disposed adjacent to the side of the first QW group closest to the first end of the optical cavity. The first absorbing layer has a thickness at least two times smaller than that of the intermediate absorbing layers, thereby leading to improved pump power distribution uniformity across QW groups of the active region.