Abstract. The output-beam scanning and switching characteristics of lasers with separately controlled twin-stripe electrodes are reported. The spacing between the stripes is small (5μm from centre to centre) and the spacing region is either etched or ion-implanted for better current isolation. The implanted laser oscillates in the fundamental mode. The output beam of this laser can be scanned over a radiation angle range of 7° almost linearly with injection currents. The etched laser oscillates in the first-order mode. The output beam of this laser can be switched with a deflection angle as large as ±8°.
