Nova Crystals Creates 1.3-Micron VCSEL for Optical Networks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 7 -- Nova Crystals Inc. has created what it calls the world's first practical, electrically pumped, 1.3-µm vertical cavity surface emitting laser diode (VCSEL) with the highest power reported to date.
By applying a variety of device design and process modifications to conventional InP VCSEL technology, the company has implemented a continuous wave output power of 1 mW (without active cooling), a bandwidth of 2.5 Gb/s and an operating voltage of less than 2 V. This makes the VCSEL plug-compatible with the standard SONET/SDH transmitter modules that presently use Fabry-Perot edge emitting laser diodes. These attributes allow for comparable electronic characteristics, such as low series resistance and a monolithically integrated output power detector, the company said.