Role of optical flux and of current density in gradual degradation of GaAs injection lasers

A GaAs dual-diode laser structure was used to give electrical control of the laser threshold and so permit separate study of the effect of optical flux on gradual degradation. At a given current density, degradation occurs under nonlasing conditions at about the same rate as under normal lasing conditions. The degradation rate is a superlinear function of current density. Degradation is an erratic process in which the rate varies sporadically during operation.