If most of the highest energy valence levels in a diode laser's p-type anode weren't empty, it would become relatively inefficient and
probably wouldn't emit laser light at all. Why not?
Electrons in the highest valence levels can absorb the laser light whille undergoing radiative transitions to the conduction
levels and that absorption would trap the laser radiation and reduce the diode's ability to emit laser light.
Electrons in the highest valence levels can reflect the laser light while undergoing radiative transitions to the conduction
levels and that reflection would trap the laser radiation and reduce the diode's ability to emit laser light.
Electrons in the highest conduction levels can absorb the laser light while undergoing radiative transitions to the valence
levels and that absorption would trap the laser radiation and reduce the diode's ability to emit laser light.
Electrons in the highest conduction levels can reflect the laser light while undergoing radiative transitions to the valence
levels and that reflection would trap the laser radiation and reduce the diode's ability to emit laser light