Compact Polarization Mode Converter Monolithically Integrated Within a Semiconductor Laser

The design and realization of a short, passive, single-section waveguide polarization converter monolithically integrated within a Fabry-Perot ridge waveguide laser is reported. The device is fabricated on an unstrained GaAs-AlGaAs double quantum well heterostructure. A predominantly transverse magnetic polarized optical output from the converter facet of greater than 80% is demonstrated for a converter length of 20 mum at an operating wavelength of 867 nm.