High power MWIR quantum cascade lasers and their use in intra-cavity THz room temperature generation

Abstract

In this paper we review our results on high power quantum cascade lasers in the mid- and long-wave infrared regions of the spectrum (4-12um). The specifications and characteristics of state-of-the-art QC lasers fabricated by MOCVD technology are illustrated, along with their key application requirements and potential issues for future improvements. Single emitter QC lasers in the Watt-class range are presented and analyzed. In addition, we explore the use of high power QCLs for THz generation at room temperature by non-linear mixing of high power mid-infrared beams in a monolithic intra-cavity design. The THz radiation so obtained is widely tunable by electrical injection. Experimentally, we demonstrate ridge waveguide single mode devices electrically tunable between 3.44 and 4.02 THz.