A II-VI semiconductor diode laser has a strained layer disposed on top of the structure. This strained layer, having a thickness of between about 0.05 microns and 2 microns, is either a single film or a stack of films, preferably of metal. The strain field produced by this layer in the semiconductor layer structure produces a change in the refractive index of the structure, due to the photo-elastic effect. By virtue of this effect a strain-induced waveguide is provided in the diode laser, with a strained layer in an edge, stripe or window structure. Furthermore, a tensely-strained layer covering the entire structure is used to produce a strain field similar to that which occurs when the structure is bent. This strain field will produce strain-enhanced gain in the underlying structure, which allows for operation of the laser at a lower threshold Current. 17 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets 7 7 7 7777. Z222222222
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.