Short-Cavity Long-Wavelength VCSELs With Modulation Bandwidths in Excess of 15 GHz

InP-based buried tunnel junction vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) incorporating a novel short-cavity (SC) design are presented. These highly single-mode devices emitting at 1.55 mum show record-high modulation bandwidths in excess of 15 GHz together with greatly enhanced intrinsic resonance frequencies. For elevated temperatures of 65degC and 80degC, 3-dB-modulation bandwidths beyond 13 and 10 GHz are demonstrated, respectively. Reasons for the improved modulation behavior are the smaller intrinsic damping due to reduced photon-lifetime, and the better heat-management of these SC-VCSELs.