Mode and polarisation control in VCSELs using shallow surface structures

Monolithic techniques for mode and polarisation control in vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) using shallow surface structures are summarized and put in the context with other techniques in terms of performance and manufacturability. The method of using circular-symmetric surface structures for mode control and their combination with a sub-wavelength surface grating for simultaneous mode and polarisation control is described in detail, and adherent experimental results for both 850-nm and 1.3-mum oxide-confined VCSELs are presented.