New design strategies for multifunctional and inexpensive quantum cascade lasers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This manuscript describes some of the new advances in active mid-infrared photonic integrated circuits enabled by new quantum cascade laser technologies. This includes monolithic beam steering which was achieved via the integration of a widely tunable QCL and a tapered grating outcoupler. A record 17.9 degrees of steering with a low divergence beam (0.5 degrees) was achieved. In addition, the use of surface emitting architectures is proposed as a means to reduce the manufacturing cost of next-generation QCLs. A reflective outcoupler is demonstrated which can allow for stable surface emission from a quantum cascade laser and has potential for cost-effective wafer-scale manufacturing. This outcoupler is integrated with an amplified, electrically tunable laser architecture to demonstrate high power surface emission at a wavelength near 4.9 μm. Single mode peak power up to 6.7 W is demonstrated with >6 W available over a 90 cm-1 (215 nm) spectral range. All of this is achieved while maintaining a high quality output beam, similar to a standard edge emitter.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationQuantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics XVI
EditorsManijeh Razeghi, Jay S. Lewis, Eric Tournie, Giti A. Khodaparast
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510624948
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventQuantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics XVI 2019 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Feb 3 2019Feb 7 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10926
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceQuantum Sensing and Nano Electronics and Photonics XVI 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period2/3/192/7/19

Keywords

  • Electronic beam steering
  • Photonic integrated circuit
  • Quantum cascade laser
  • Surface-emitting laser

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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