Lifetime extension of uncoated AlGaAs single quantum well lasers by high power burn-in in inert atmospheres

The facet temperature rise of uncoated AlGaAs single-quantum-well lasers as a function of time at constant current is observed to be higher when operated in air than in inert atmospheres such as helium and nitrogen. What is unexpected is that the process of burning-in uncoated AlGaAs lasers at high output power in inert atmospheres for a short time is shown to improve their subsequent operational lifetime and reliability in air. Lifetime extension of these uncoated AlGaAs single quantum well lasers by a factor as high as 750 has been observed.