Guided self-aligned laser structure with integral current blocking layer

A self-aligned laser structure with an integral active and guiding layer is disclosed. It is comprised of a continuous active region and a current blocking region forming a lateral waveguide. The blocking region has an index of refraction n 1 and a continuous guiding layer has an index of refraction n 2 , wherein n 2 is greater than n 1 . The guiding layer and the blocking region is made of the same material. The blocking region has a real refractive index step to form a transverse optical mode, wherein the transverse laser mode is controlled by a change in doping level of the blocking region.