Open AccessElectrically switchable emission in terahertz quantum cascade lasers
Author(s) -
Joshua R. Freeman,
Owen Marshall,
Harvey E. Beere,
D. A. Ritchie
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.16.019830
Subject(s) - terahertz radiation , cascade , optics , laser , optoelectronics , quantum cascade laser , photomixing , terahertz spectroscopy and technology , waveguide , materials science , far infrared laser , physics , terahertz metamaterials , chemistry , chromatography
Electrically switchable emission in a terahertz quantum cascade laser is demonstrated. Two active region designs are incorporated into the same waveguide, forming a heterogeneous cascade that lases at frequencies around 2.6 THz and 3.0 THz. We find that the position of the active regions within the waveguide does not effect the sequence in which the two colours reach laser threshold. The devices show good performance, with 2.6 THz and 3.0 THz modes operating up to 60K and 91K respectively and displaying thresholds as low as 79 Acm(-2) for the 2.6 THz mode.