Reliability comparison of GaAlAs/GaAs and aluminum-free high-power laser diodes

Aluminum-free laser diodes are InGaAsP/GaAs devices whose epitaxial layers do not contain aluminum. Studies comparing the GaAslAs/GaAs and InGaAsP/GaAs high power laser diodes allegedly indicate that aluminum-free lasers are more reliable due to a reduction of dark-line defects, sudden failures, and gradual degradation. The improved reliability of aluminum-free lasers is presumed to result from the elimination of oxidation of the aluminum-containing epitaxial layers of the laser facets. In this presentation, the performance and reliability of GaAlAs/GaAs and InGaAsP/GaAs high power laser diodes will be reviewed and compared. The present data shows that high reliable GaAlAs/GaAs lasers can be produced with good manufacturing practices.