Researchers Advance VCSEL Technology

In the quest to develop long-wavelength vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), scientists have faced two large barriers: temperature performance and operating voltage. W.L. Gore & Associates, based in Newark, Del., may have solved these problems with the demonstration of 1300-nm VCSELs operating from 0 to 70 °C at 2.5 V.
The new devices could allow greater bandwidth and distance in multimode fiber, along with being suited for single-mode fiber applications. Researchers have turned to VCSELs in place of light-emitting diodes in many applications because of speed requirements and lower cost.