Confining features for mode shaping of lasers and coupling with silicon photonic components

A laser structure, comprising:

• a dielectric matrix formed of a first material;
• a laser source formed within the dielectric matrix and comprising a semiconductor material;
• and
• a plurality of vertical confining features formed within the dielectric matrix and extending parallel to and along a length of the laser source, the plurality of vertical confining features comprising the semiconductor material.

A laser system, comprising:

• a laser source;
• and
• a waveguide optically coupled to the laser source,
• wherein the laser source comprises:
• a dielectric matrix formed of a first material;
• a laser source formed within the dielectric matrix and comprising a semiconductor material;
• and
• a plurality of confining features formed within the dielectric matrix and extending parallel to and along a length of the laser source, the plurality of confining features comprising the semiconductor material, wherein the plurality of confining features are formed on at least one of a plurality of sides, a top, and a bottom of the laser source, and wherein the plurality of confining features are configured to adjust a size and profile of a mode of the laser source to match a mode of the waveguide.