Loss limitations in dielectrically apertured vertical cavity lasers

Summary form only given. To quantify the round-trip modal losses, we use a one-dimensional (1-D) propagation model like the classical "Fox-Li" approach, in which a scalar field is propagated around a cavity until the field does not change from one pass to the next. We account for the full angular reflection spectrum of the DBRs and use the equivalent distributed index to account for the position of the aperture relative to the standing wave intensity profile in the cavity. In each case considered the modal gain is increased until cavity losses are compensated. Apertures of different diameters and thicknesses as well as tapered apertures that provide a more lens-like element are considered. The model also allows us to examine the departure of the mode shape and the dispersion relation of the actual dielectric apertured structure from that predicted with the uniform waveguide model. Based on the 1-D results we construct an approximate model that allows us to extend the results to two dimensions.