Ridge formation for AlGaAs GRINSCH lasers by Cl/sub 2/ reactive ion etching

Optical storage applications for AlGaAs power lasers require single-mode laser operation and well-controlled beam divergence. For AlGaAs GRIN separate confinement heterostructure (GRINSCH) ridge lasers, these optical characteristics are sensitive to the precise ridge geometry of the laser. Directional reactive ion etching with Cl/sub 2/ and in situ monitoring of the etch with highly attenuated laser interferometry provide the excellent process control required during formation of the ridge. The process is described, and results are presented for lasers that were fabricated using this technique.<
>