Work

Cryogenic 1/2-λ Cavity VCSEL With 5-μm Aperture Demonstrates Record Pout = 35 mW and 140 Gbps PAM-4 Optical Link at 2.9 K

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High-power and high-speed cryogenic vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with a 1/2-$\lambda $cavity and$5.0~\mu $m oxide-aperture are designed and fabricated. By strategically etching down five top p-doped DBR pairs while preserving low threshold current (I${}_{\mathrm {th}} =1.54$mA), the device achieves an unprecedented output power of 35 mW and supreme linearity at 2.9 - 77 K for high-speed, power-efficient optical interconnects. The device also achieves sub-picosecond photon lifetime and bandwidth exceeding 50 GHz at 2.5 mA, enabling 140 Gb/s PAM-4 cryogenic optical interconnect.

Source: IEEE Photonics Technology Letters

DOI: 10.1109/lpt.2025.3598825

Authors: Haonan Wu, Zetai Liu, Derek Chaw, Yulin He, Milton Feng

Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language: English

Topic: Semiconductor Lasers and Optical Devices

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,645