Degradation characteristics of cw optically pumped AlxGa1−xAs heterostructure lasers

Abstract

The characteristic formation of dark filamentary features during the rapid degradation mode of Al_xGa_1−xAs double‐heterostructure lasers has been observed in material with no contacts, with or without a p‐n junction, and in minimal‐strain mounting configurations. The degradation was observed in optically pumped cw lasing and nonlasing conditions with active region temperatures near and above room temperature.