Patent ID: 6674778
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B82Y,H01S

Abstract:
An electrically pumped edge-emitting photonic bandgap semiconductor laser, comprisingan active layer of semiconductor material defining a plane having an axial direction, the active layer comprising an array of dielectric-contrasting posts or holes having one-dimensional periodicity aligned substantially perpendicular to the plane of the active layer thereby providing a photonic bandgap, the periodic dielectric structure having an active region therein where the semiconductor material forms an active p-n junction having light emission and lasing wavelength within the photonic bandgap, the periodic dielectric structure providing a first photonic bandgap mirror and a second photonic bandgap mirror that define an optical cavity for axial confinement of the emitted light in the active region; at least two air gaps surrounding the active layer for optical confinement of the light emission in the lateral direction; at least two cladding layers enclosing the active layer for optical confinement of the light emission to the axial direction; and a positive electrode connected to the p-type material and a negative electrode connected to the n-type material for electrical pumping of the active region to achieve light emission from the p-n junction in the axial direction of the semiconductor, laser.