The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is becoming a key device in high-speed optical local area networks (LANs) and even wide-area networks (WANs). This device is also enabling ultraparallel data transfer in equipment and computer systems, including storage area networks (SANs) and wide optoelectronics fields. In this paper, we will review its physics and the progress of technology covering the spectral band from infrared to ultraviolet by featuring materials and fabrication technology. Performances such as threshold, output power, polarization, modulation, and reliability are introduced. Last, we will touch on its future prospects.

Recent research activities in the field of advanced semiconductor lasers are reviewed with emphasis on highly stable single-wavelength lasers and surface-emitting (SE) lasers for wideband lightwave communication systems and optical parallel information processing. The operational characteristics of DSM (dynamic single-mode) lasers are summarized and requirements for high-performance operation as light sources for high-speed transmission or coherent communications are described. A type of DSM laser called the distributed-reflector (DR) laser is described as an advanced DSM laser which enables high efficiency, high power, and narrow linewidth operations. Specific features and the potential of SE lasers are summarized. Research activities and remaining problems to be solved for a breakthrough in optical parallel information processing are presented. The potential of multidimensional quantum-well structures, such as QW lasers and quantum-box lasers, is discussed in terms of superior characteristics in both stationary and dynamic operations. The present fabrication technologies for realizing high-performance lasers based on multidimensional QW structures are also presented.>