A VECSEL, short for vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser, is a specific type of laser diode with a unique design that combines characteristics of both vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and conventional edge-emitting semiconductor lasers. The VECSEL technology was developed to overcome certain limitations of traditional lasers by incorporating an external cavity structure.
In a VECSEL, the laser gain region is placed vertically on top of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) mirror, forming a cavity that allows laser light to be emitted vertically. This vertical emission provides advantages such as a circular, symmetrical beam and a greater power output. Additionally, the VECSEL cavity is designed to incorporate an external mirror, enabling tunability by changing the cavity length.
The key benefit of a VECSEL is its ability to emit laser light with exceptionally high output power, while maintaining excellent beam quality and tunability. Due to the vertical emission, VECSELs can be more easily integrated with other optical components, making them suitable for various applications such as telecommunications, optical sensing, medical treatments, and scientific research.
The unique design of VECSELs allows for efficient heat dissipation, making them more reliable and stable than traditional laser diodes. This, in turn, extends their lifespan and reduces the risk of thermal damage. VECSELs have gained attention as a promising technology for achieving high-power, high-quality laser light emission in a wide range of scientific, industrial, and consumer applications.
