A semiconductor surface emitting optical amplifier chip utilizes a zigzag optical path within an optical amplifier chip. The zigzag optical path couples two or more gain elements. Each individual gain element has a circular aperture and includes a gain region and at least one distributed Bragg reflector. In one implementation the optical amplifier chip includes at least two gain elements that are spaced apart and have a fill factor no greater than 0.5. As a result the total optical gain may be increased. The optical amplifier chip may be operated as a superluminescent LED. Alternately, the optical amplifier chip may be used with external optical elements to form an extended cavity laser. Individual gain elements may be operated in a reverse biased mode to support gain-switching or mode-locking.