14-MeV neutron-induced transverse mode shifts in multimode VCSELs

Research on optical communication behavior in radiative environments is a key point for the design of diagnostic links for the large physic instruments (Laser MegaJoule at CEA, Large Hadron Collider at CERN). For years, the radiation tolerance of several types of emitters (light emitting diode and laser diode (LD)) have been tested with promising results for the LDs. New technologies and devices (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSEL)) have recently appeared as promising candidates to replace conventional edge emitting LDs. The shorter wavelength VCSELs (below 1 micrometers ) are well adapted for short distance data links, due to their low threshold current, high efficiency and large possibilities for integration.