Open AccessNon-uniform lateral current distribution in quantum cascade lasers
Author(s) -
Xinyue Huang,
Yamaç Dikmelik,
Claire F. Gmachl
Publication year - 2014
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.22.006154
Subject(s) - cascade , laser , physics , photon , optics , transverse plane , scattering , rate equation , semiconductor laser theory , quantum cascade laser , quantum , longitudinal mode , electron , atomic physics , quantum mechanics , chemistry , structural engineering , chromatography , kinetics , engineering
Non-uniform lateral current distribution in quantum cascade (QC) lasers is investigated, as a result of stimulated-optical-emission-assisted electron transport, the rate of which depends on the local photon density and is comparable to the longitudinal optical (LO) phonon scattering rate. A microscopic model based on rate equations is built to study the self-consistent process of interaction between local electrons and photons in QC lasers. The non-uniform distribution of lateral current and the corresponding spatial hole burning are simulated from this model. Moreover, multi-transverse-mode operation in QC lasers is also investigated.