Distributed reflector lasers integrated with passive grating region by using lateral quantum confinement effect

By using a lateral quantum confinement effect, a new type of distributed reflector (DR) laser consisting of a wirelike active section and a passive DBR section with quantum-wire structure was demonstrated. As a result, a low threshold current density J/sub th/=320 A/cm/sup 2/ (I/sub th/ = 15.4 mA) was obtained for a mesa-stripe width of 20 /spl mu/m, an active section length of 240 /spl mu/m and a passive DBR section length of 440 /spl mu/m. A strong asymmetric output ratio from the front to the rear facet of 28, which is inherent in DR lasers, was also achieved.