Self-consistent calculation of current self-distribution effect in GaAs-AlGaAs oxide-confined VCSELs

A three-dimensional electrical-thermal-optical numerical solver is applied to model GaAs-AlGaAs-based top-emitting oxide-confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with GaAs multiple-quantum-well active region. Continuous-wave mode of operation is simulated over a range of voltages, covering the subthreshold spontaneous emission and lasing emission. The effect of self-distribution of electrical current is demonstrated for the first time in self-consistent electrical-thermal-optical simulation of VCSELs.