Wavelength-scale Microlasers based on VCSEL-Photonic Crystal Architecture

: We have designed, fabricated and tested III-Vs-based light-emitting micro devices using photonic crystal architecture. The goal was to obtain for the first time a photonic crystal VCSEL with a total footprint around the wavelength of emission (1550 nm) and operating under electrical injection. We have demonstrated good electroluminescence at room temperature and CW electrical injection although laser emission has not been yet obtained. The main reason for the lack of lasing is attributed to the small light confinement factor of the devices (small Q factor, which is in the 100s). Nevertheless the micro devices may have a very good performance as LEDs, since the smaller Q greatly benefits the maximum switching speed of the micro devices. Therefore a complete optical characterization under CW and pulsed current injection is still needed to obtain the full performance of the devices, which may show enhanced properties compared to other cavity enhanced LEDs.