Enhanced polarization control and stabilization by macroscopic in-plane anisotropic strain in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Abstract

The present invention relates to vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), and more particularly to a method and apparatus for controlling and stabilization of polarization in such devices. The method for stabilizing the polarization of light generated by a VCSEL assembly comprising a light generation region of a VCSEL, the VCSEL being mechanically coupled to a mounting substrate, comprises the steps of: mechanically coupling the mounting substrate to a second substrate which is coextensive or larger in area than the mounting substrate, and applying uniaxial strain to the light generation region of the VCSEL by means of external strain applied to the mounting substrate by the second substrate or by means attached to the second substrate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.