A structure using integrated optical elements is comprised of a substrate, a buffer layer grown on the substrate, one or more first patterned
layers deposited on top of the buffer layer, wherein each of the first patterned
layers is comprised of a bottom lateral epitaxial overgrowth (LEO)
mask layer and a LEO
nitride layer filling holes in the bottom LEO
mask layer, one or more active
layers formed on the first patterned layers, and one or more second patterned layers deposited on top of the
active layer, wherein each of the second patterned layers is comprised of a top LEO
mask layer and a LEO
nitride layer filling holes in the top LEO
mask layer, wherein the top and / or bottom LEO mask layers act as a mirror, optical confinement layer,
grating,
wavelength selective element,
beam shaping element or beam directing element for the active layers.