Wavelength Tunable MECSELs

Abstract

Membrane external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (MECSELs) represent a relatively new category of semiconductor laser that have potential to be attractive tunable light sources for various applications. Potential advantages over similar lasers include improved active region heat extraction, access to novel wavelength regimes, and wider tuning ranges. Semiconductor membranes with varying quantum well architectures were investigated in this thesis. Additionally, varying cavity configurations and intracavity elements were investigated with the goal of satisfying application-specific properties required for implementation.