Transverse mode control of vertical-cavity top-surface-emitting lasers

Transverse mode characteristics and control for vertical-cavity top-surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are discussed. A spatial filtering concept for the control of VCSEL transverse modes that allows over 1.5-mW single TEM/sub 00/ transverse mode emission to be routinely achieved from continuous-wave electrically excited VCSELs is introduced. Without spatial filtering, L-I and V-I kinks are observed. >