Realization and characterization of optically pumped GaInN-GaN DFB lasers

Room-temperature (RT) operation of optically pumped GaN-GaInN distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers is demonstrated in the spectral range from 400 to 415 nm. The ridge-waveguide distributed feedback lasers were realized by dry etching on a GaN-GaInN double heterostructure. Laser emission was observed in the entire spectral range of optical gain, which was determined by amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) measurements. The wavelength shift of the distributed feedback laser emission with temperature was investigated. An array of DFB lasers with different grating periods allowed to obtain the spectral dependence of the laser threshold and the effective refractive index of the GaN-GaInN lasers. The lowest laser threshold we achieved was 0.95 MW/cm/sup 2/.