High-reliability MOCVD-grown quantum dot laser

4.7 W continuous-wave (CW) and 11.7 W quasi-CW output power have been demonstrated for laser diodes based on six-fold stacks of InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots. Lifetimes beyond 3000 h at 1.0 and 1.5 W output power and 50degreesC heatsink temperature were measured. The output power is limited by catastrophic optical mirror damage occurring at 19.5 MW/cm(2) on the front facet.