Progress in long wavelength VCSELs

Advances in long wavelength VCSEL technology have demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating monolithic long wavelength VCSELs. Several new technologies such as InGaAsN quantum wells, low voltage tunnel junctions and novel DBR mirrors have dramatically improved the performance of long wavelength VCSELs. Common to both technologies is the need to have a manufacturable single mode, polarization locked VCSEL design. It will only be a matter of time before the long wavelength VCSEL will displace both FP and DFB lasers for medium reach applications. For the metro/access market, cost and performance will determine which technology choice will prevail.