Patent ID: 6167072
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A semiconductor laser structure for use at a predetermined lasing wavelength comprising:a top surface region;a laser substructure including a plurality of semiconductor layers disposed below said top surface region;said laser substructure being so constructed and arranged to have an active region in close proximity to said top surface region, and separated therefrom by a separation region, said separation region having a lower refractive index than said top surface region and said active region,said top surface region having at least one contoured section comprising at least one ridge and at least one valley adjacent said at least one ridge, a height of said at least one ridge being a distance between an upper surface of said ridge and a lower surface of said top surface region, and a height of said at least one valley being a distance between an upper surface of said valley and said lower surface of said top surface region;wherein said height of said ridge is greater than a certain value related to said predetermined lasing wavelength in said material; andwherein said at least one valley has a first metal coating layer formed thereon, said first metal coating layer having a high reflectivity at said predetermined lasing wavelength in said material.