Thin-film UV VCSELs and LEDs by electrochemical etching

We will give an overview of state-of-the-art results and challenges to achieve high-performing III-nitride vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), with a particular focus on the requirements to push the emission wavelength into the ultraviolet (UV). Our method to simultaneously achieve high-reflectivity mirrors and good cavity length control by electrochemical etching enabled the world’s first UV-B VCSEL. The use of dielectric mirrors yielded lasers with a very temperature-stable emission wavelength thanks to the negative thermo-optic coefficient of the mirrors. We have used the same etch methodology to also lift-off fully processed LEDs from their growth substrate to improve the light extraction efficiency.