Vol. 31, Issue 2, pp. 337-349 (2001)

Abstract

Problems connected with designing possible nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for their efficient room-temperature (RT) operation are discussed and analyzed. Crucial elements of the VCSEL geometry, i.e. active regions, spacers, DBR mirrors, current and heat-flux paths, substrates as well as contacts, are examined in detail taking into account the latest achievements of the currently available technology. An impact of various structure configurations on threshold properties of the possible RT CW nitride VCSELs is discussed and the most recommended structure details are chosen. A possibility to manufacture efficient nitride VCSELs in a close future is considered and discussed.