Semiconductor lasers having a narrow bandwidth distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). The narrow bandwidth distributed Bragg reflector reflects photons over a narrow wavelength range for amplification within the laser cavity. Photons outside the narrow wavelength range are not reflected back into the laser cavity and are therefore not amplified. The narrow bandwidth distributed Bragg reflector can be formed of semiconductor materials or dielectric materials. The narrow bandwidth distributed Bragg reflector is included as part of folded cavity surface emitting lasers and edge emitting lasers. Photons within the narrow wavelength range of the narrow bandwidth distributed Bragg reflector reflects are of a relatively long wavelength to improve efficiency of communication over fiber optic cables.