Patent ID: 7288422

Claim:
A method for forming a photonic integrated device using a reverse-mesa structure, the method comprising the steps of: i) sequentially forming a first conductive clad layer, an active layer, a second conductor clad layer and an ohmic layer on a substrate on which a semiconductor laser, an optical modulator, a semiconductor optical amplifier, and a photo detector are integrated; ii) etching the ohmic contact layer such that at least a part of the second conductive clad layer is exposed; iii) forming a mesa mask pattern on the second conductive clad layer and the ohmic contact layer such that the mesa mask pattern is in a direct contact with an upper surface and a side surface of the ohmic contact layer; iv) performing an etching process by using the mesa mask pattern in such a manner that the second conductive clad layer is etched in a reverse-mesa structure and the active layer and the first conductive clad layer are etched in a mesa structure; and, v) forming a current shielding layer such that a sidewall having a mesa and reverse mesa structure is filled with the current shielding layer.