Calculations of the continuous-wave lasing range and light-output power for double-heterostructure lasers

Procedures for calculating the range of currents and heat-sink temperatures in which continuous-wave (cw) operation is possible and the light-output power levels within this range are presented for double-heterostructure lasers with an oxide-insulated stripe geometry. A one-dimensional heat-flow model has been assumed within the device followed by two-dimensional heat flow into the heat sink. It is shown that a laser with stripe dimensions (13 μm x 400 μm) and typical thicknesses can achieve cw operation at heat-sink temperatures up to about 4310K. At 3000K, the theoretical power output is in the 40 to 50-mW range for J = 2J/sub th/. The effects of varying thicknesses and the aluminum content in the GaAlAs confining layer are considered. The limitations of the calculation are discussed as well as its applicability to other stripe-geometry devices