The operation of antiguided array lasers is dependent on the creation of an effective refractive index step between the antiguide core and the interelement regions. The authors describe a novel technique, using zinc diffusion to disorder a superlattice, for creating the necessary index step in a 10 element antiguided laser array operating at 0.860 µm. Output powers approach 400 mW per facet into a 3° (FWHM) beam. Use of this fabrication technique removes the need for overgrowth.
