Polarization stabilization in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers through asymmetric current injection

We present experimental evidence that asymmetric current injection in intracavity contacted vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) stabilizes the polarization of the emitted light. Anisotropies in the gain and loss mechanisms introduced by asymmetric current injection are considered to explain this effect. The design scheme opens perspectives to obtain actual polarization control in VCSELs.