High-reliability semicondictor laser amplifiers

This paper presents the first results of a preliminary study into the reliability of Semiconductor-Laser-Amplifiers (SLA´s). The results from ageing tests on semiconductor lasers which have one facet coated with a multilayer anti-reflection (AR) coating indicate that the AR coatings present no additional hazard. Preliminary data from devices having both facets AR coated (full amplifier structures) show minimal degradation in the main parameters. No degradation mechanisms, other than those occurring in standard buried heterostructure lasers, have been identified to date.