Suppression of TE polarization by a multiquantum-barrier structure in sub-630-nm tensile-strained GaInP-AlGaInP QW lasers

Many applications require laser emission with stable single polarization. While stable transverse-electric (TE) emission is favored by several mechanisms and, consequently, is relatively easy to obtain, achieving stable transverse-magnetic (TM) emission is more difficult. This letter proposes a method for suppressing the TE polarization by using a multiquantum-barrier. In our experiments, the multiquantum-barrier structure was inserted into the p-type cladding of tensile-strained GaInP-AlGaInP quantum-well lasers emitting at wavelengths shorter than 630 nm. As a result, the TE emission was suppressed over a wide range of injection levels, operating temperatures, and device lengths, proving that the method is effective for achieving stable TM emission.