A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device with improved power and
beam characteristics. The VCSEL device contains one VCSEL or an array of VCSELs.
Each VCSEL has a corresponding integrated microlens, and a heat sink is attached
to the device side of the VCSEL device. The heat sink allows improved heat dissipation,
and therefore provides improved power characteristics of the VCSEL device output
laser beam. The microlens or microlens array allows easier and more compact focussing
of the VCSEL device output laser beam. The VCSEL device can be used in a variety
of optical systems, and its improved power and focusing characteristics provide
a compact, low power, low cost laser system.
