A laser apparatus is provided, comprising a semiconductor substrate, an active layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate, a folded waveguide disposed on the active layer and forming a resonant structure, the folded waveguide comprising at least two substantially straight waveguide portions coupled by a connecting waveguide structure, with the folded waveguide having a first end and a second end located at one or more edges of the semiconductor substrate, wherein at least one of the ends includes a mirror, and an electrode coupled to the folded waveguide and configured to create photons in the folded waveguide when receiving electrical power. The waveguide emits laser light comprising the photons, with the laser light emitted at an edge of the semiconductor substrate.