Diode lasers for light-wave systems

Some aspects of diode lasers designed for light-wave systems are surveyed. Among the features pertinent to this application, wavelength tuning deserves special consideration and is discussed more in detail. Numerous advantages of VCSELs over edge emitting lasers make them competitive and very attractive. State of the art designs of these lasers with attention focused on long wavelength devices are described. Quantum dots structures open now new prospects to laser technology. Recent research results on these structures are presented to summarise developments in the field.