VCSELs for high-speed optical data communications

We discuss our efforts in evaluating, planar, batch- fabricable, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) for use in high-speed optical data communication interconnects. For this manuscript, we focus on the flexibility of the established proton-implanted AlGaAs-based (emitting near 850 nm) technology platform. These designs have more than adequately met performance and producibility stipulations. Demonstrated reliability is in excess of 107 hours MTTF (at room T), and three-decibel modulation bandwidths of 15 GHz. We have also demonstrated a novel technique implementing a minor modification of the established platform to engineer low-threshold, high-speed, single-mode VCSELs. Said VCSEls are demonstrated in optical data links with bit error rates (BERS) less than 10-12 under bias-free operation. Data link issues such as compliance with engineering standards are discussed.