Overview of quantum cascade laser research at the center for quantum devices

Over the past several years, our group has endeavored to develop high power quantum cascade lasers for a variety of remote and high sensitivity infrared applications. The systematic optimization of laser performance has allowed for demonstration of high power, continuous-wave quantum cascade lasers operating above room temperature. In the past year alone, the efficiency and power of our short wavelength lasers (λ∼4.8 μm) has doubled. In continuous wave at room temperature, we have now separately demonstrated ∼10% wallplug efficiency and ∼700 mW of output power. Up to now, we have been able to show that room temperature continuous wave operation with >100 mW output power in the 3.8< λ<11.5 μm wavelength range is possible.