Open AccessUltra-broadband quantum cascade laser, tunable over 760 cm^−1, with balanced gain
Author(s) -
N. Bandyopadhyay,
M. Chen,
Sourav Sengupta,
S. Slivken,
Manijeh Razeghi
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.23.021159
Subject(s) - cascade , quantum cascade laser , broadband , optics , laser , optoelectronics , wavelength , materials science , semiconductor laser theory , spontaneous emission , range (aeronautics) , quantum , physics , chemistry , chromatography , quantum mechanics , composite material
A heterogeneous quantum cascade laser, consisting of multiple stacks of discrete wavelength quantum cascade stages, emitting in 5.9-10.9 µm, wavelength range is reported. The broadband characteristics are demonstrated with a distributed-feedback laser array, emitting at fixed frequencies at room temperature, covering an emission range of ~760 cm(-1), which is ~59% relative to the center frequency. By appropriate choice of a strained AlInAs/GaInAs material system, quantum cascade stage design and spatial arrangement of stages, the distributed-feedback array has been engineered to exhibit a flat threshold current density across the demonstrated range.