Single-mode, surface-emitting quantum cascade laser at 26 μ m

Abstract

We present the simulation, design, fabrication, and characterization of planarized double metal quantum cascade lasers based on InGaAs/GaAsSb. Intended for astrophysical heterodyne measurements and having the cavity embedded in benzocyclobutene, the devices are equipped with thermal bridges on either side of the ridge, in order to improve the heat dissipation. The lasers are shown to vertically emit a single mode around 26 μm in pulsed operation, with peak powers of ≈ 30 μW and a current density threshold of Jth = 3.7 kA/cm2. Maximum operation temperature is around 170 K, with the maximum supported duty cycle being extended from the initial 15% to about 30% with the help of the improved thermal management technique.