High peak power tapered RWG laser diodes for eye-safe LIDAR applications around 1.5 μm wavelength

Abstract

<p>High peak power and brightness eye-safe lasers are desired in automotive LIDAR, for example. We address this need by developing tapered ridge waveguide lasers with highly asymmetric InGaAsP/InP epilayer emitting at around 1.5 μm wavelength. The structure allows state-of-the-art peak power of 7.3 W at 50 A current. Preliminary beam quality results indicate that the epi-design enables higher beam brightness than more traditional structures when driven with high amplitude current pulses. Results indicate that further improvements in power and brightness characteristics are possible with more optimized cavity layout and laser driver design.</p>