Single-mode continuous wave operation of electrically pumped 2.25 μm GaSb-based VCSEL

We present a continuous wave, electrically pumped, GaSb-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) for trace-gas sensing applications with a room-temperature emission wavelength of 2.25 mum. For current confinement, a structured buried tunnel junction (BTJ) is used. Low threshold currents of 1.7 mA, single mode operation and a tunability by current of 0.87 nm/mA have been achieved.