Incoherent GaAlAs/GaAs semiconductor laser arrays

The fabrication of an incoherent laser array is reported. The main features of the arrays are low threshold index-guided laser elements, single-lobe far-field pattern, low astigmatism, low current operation, dense packing, and total electrical and optical isolation. With further development, this device should have applications in multihead optical-disk reading and writing, multifiber optical communications, and line-of-sight communications.