A method for GaN vertical microcavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL)

Structures and methods for forming highly uniform and high-porosity gallium-nitride layers with sub-100-nm pore sizes are described. Electrochemical etching of heavily-doped gallium nitride at low bias voltages in concentrated nitric acid is used to form the porous gallium nitride. The porous layers may be used in reflective structures for integrated optical devices such as VCSELs and LEDs.