Surface emitting laser array, production process thereof, and image forming apparatus having surface emitting laser array

A surface emitting laser array comprising a plurality of surface emitting laser devices each including a semiconductor layer that includes a first reflection mirror, an active layer, a current confined portion, and a second reflection mirror, the surface emitting laser array further comprising:

• a first metal material layer for dissipating heat formed through a first insulating layer on the semiconductor layer;
• and
• a second metal material layer for injecting current into the active layer formed through a second insulating layer on the first metal material layer,
• wherein the first metal material layer is commonly shared by the plurality of the surface emitting laser devices,
• wherein the first insulating layer is formed on the semiconductor layer except on a laser emission port formed on an upper layer side of the second reflection mirror,
• wherein the first metal material layer is formed on the semiconductor layer including at least the active layer through the first insulating layer, and
• wherein the active layer is disposed at a position lower than an upper surface of the first metal material layer and higher than a lower surface of the first metal material layer.