High performance Quantum Cascade lasers with broadband gain spectra

Yu Yao, Xiaojun Wang, Jen Yu Fan, William O. Charles, Tracy Tsai, Jianxin Chen, Gerard Wysocki, Claire F. Gmachl

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

QC laser active regions with multiple transitions from strongly coupled upper laser states to lower laser states were designed to achieve broad gain spectra as well as high performance. Two broad gain QC laser designs in the 7-9 μm wavelength region were demonstrated based on the continuum-to-bound design. The first embodiment of one design at ∼8 μm enables external cavity tuning over 190 cm-1 (7.5 - 8.8 μm) in pulsed mode operation at 0°C. We also demonstrated a QC laser structure based on a continuum-to-continuum active region in the 4-5 μm wavelength region with a gain spectrum of ∼ 430 cm-1. External cavity tuning over 340 cm-1 (4.4 - 5.2 μm) was achieved with this design in pulsed mode operation at 15°C. In spite of the broad gain spectrum, a low threshold current density (1.6 kA/cm2), large slope efficiency (4.5 W/A), good temperature performance (T0=160 K), high peak power (up to 5 W) and high wall plug efficiency (WPE, up to 20%) were achieved for ridge lasers with as cleaved facets, in pulsed mode operation at 295 K, demonstrating that it is possible to make a wide gain spectrum compatible with high power and efficiency performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers X
Volume7953
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 31 2011
EventNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers X - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Jan 25 2011Jan 28 2011

Other

OtherNovel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers X
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period1/25/111/28/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'High performance Quantum Cascade lasers with broadband gain spectra'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this