Patent ID: 6990135

Claim:
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser, comprising: an active region for emitting light at a predetermined wavelength in response to an applied electric current; a first distributed Bragg reflector mirror situated adjacent one side of the active region, said first distributed Bragg reflector mirror for reflecting light emitted by said active region back toward said active region; a second distributed Bragg reflector mirror situated adjacent the opposite side of said active region, said second distributed Bragg reflector mirror for reflecting light emitted by said active region back toward said active region; wherein said second distributed Bragg reflector mirror includes: a first layer having an Al content below about 35%; a second layer having an Al content between about 70% and 90%; an oxide aperture forming layer having an Al content greater than about 95%; wherein said oxide aperture forming layer is disposed between said first layer and said second layer; and a transition region disposed between said oxide aperture forming layer and said first layer, wherein said transition region has an Al content that varies from a higher Al content near said oxide aperture forming layer to a lower Al content near said first layer.