A distributed feedback ("DFB") laser featuring improved manufacturing yield and operational characteristics is disclosed. The present DFB laser includes a bottom confinement layer, an active region, and a top confinement layer disposed atop an n-doped substrate. A p-doped first top layer having a first index of refraction is disposed atop the top confinement layer. A grating is defined in the top surface of the first top layer, and a p-doped second top layer is overlaid on the grating. The two laser end facets are antireflectively coated. The grating is anisotropically etched to define a low kappa grating half and a high kappa grating half. Light waves produced in the active region interact with the grating and are biased toward the low kappa grating half that results in the majority of light signals passing through the end facet adjacent the low kappa grating half.