GaAs Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers Fabricated by Reactive Ion Etching

We report on GaAs quantum well vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers fabricated using low damage reactive ion etching. Lasers which are partially and completely etched through their structure are compared. The surface recombination velocity of exposed GaAs is not exacerbated in deep etched lasers; other loss mechanisms in shallow etched lasers have comparable impact on laser performance. Etched lasers exhibit low voltage and small differential series resistance at threshold, while devices fabricated by a combination of etching and ion implantation possess lower threshold current. We find reactive ion etching has little additional effect on laser operation, whereas the different device structures considered do influence laser performance.