Etched corner reflector array lasers: a detailed study

The effect of the corner reflector size on the performance of an etched corner reflector array laser is studied. Experimental evidence is presented to show that the operation of the corner reflector array laser is governed by the diffraction principle. The light output increases markedly if the reflector size is large enough so that diffraction can be neglected. This general principle should prove useful in the design of unguided photonic integrated circuits.