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Science 24 December 1999:
Vol. 286. no. 5449, pp. 2459 - 2460
DOI: 10.1126/science.286.5449.2459
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Perspectives

Also see the archival list of Science's Compass: Enhanced Perspectives

APPLIED PHYSICS:
Enhanced: Semiconductor Lasers Lose Their Cool

Richard M. De La Rue

A relatively new concept in semiconductor laser technology, the quantum cascade (QC) laser, promises to revolutionize laser technology in the mid- to far-infrared spectrum. Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) also have promising potential because the perpendicular beam they emit allows arrays of lasers to be packed closely on a wafer surface. Three recent papers (1-3) may help overcome some of the remaining technical obstacles to the wider applicability of QC and VCSEL lasers.

The author is in the Optoelectronics Research Group, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland, UK. E-mail: R.Delarue{at}elec.gla.ac.uk

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)