Abstract
We propose and demonstrate a direct method to observe higher-order whispering-gallery modes in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) at room temperature by embedding a defect-free a surface micro-structure. Up to the 23rd azimuthal order whispering-gallery mode confined laterally by the native oxide layers is observed in experiments and identified by the spectrum in experiments as well as numerical simulations. © 2008 Optical Society of America.