Optically resonant structure

Abstract

A vertical cavity surface emitting laser includes a resonant cavity formed between a distributed Bragg reflector formed of semiconductor material and an overlying distributed Bragg reflector formed of dielectric material The resonant cavity contains a layer of laser active material sandwiched between spacer layers and a blocking layer which confines an energizing electric current to flow through the cavity between a metallic contact layer on the underside of the Bragg reflector and a contract. In order to support a preselected resonant mode, a series of concentric rings is formed in the blocking layer surrounding the resonant cavity so as to provide a Bragg structure which reflects light from the cavity with a phase characteristic that supports the preselected transverse resonant mode.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.