Transverse mode control of VCSELs using 3D-printed micro-optics

We have fabricated 3D printed micro-optics to feedback light into an 850-nm VCSEL with reduced top-mirror reflectivity and control its transverse modes. Our goal is to create a single-frequency VCSEL with output power on the order of 10 mW for use in atomic and quantum physics. Feedback of 50% can reduce threshold current 5-fold and preferentially select the fundamental transverse mode. We will compare theory and experiment for micro-optic length scales near 100 microns, yielding Gaussian mode diameters near 10 microns.