The realization of efficient, compact and easy to operate mid-IR (2–25 μm) diode lasers could enable the development of a new generation of low cost, light weight and compact remote chemical sensing systems for trace gas detection applications. Recently, we proposed and demonstrated an interband cascade laser based on InAs/Ga(In)Sb type-II quantum wells which operates in the 3–5 μm atmospheric transmission window and promises significant performance improvement. High power and high efficiency operation has already been achieved at wavelengths around ∼4 μm with the potential to be extended to much longer wavelengths. The threshold current density at 80 K was 290 A/cm2, which is substantially lower than those reported for the quantum cascade lasers, and the characteristic temperature was 81 K at operating temperatures up to 165 K. At 80 K, the maximum output power was ∼0.5 W/facet with a slop efficiency of 211 mW/A per facet, corresponding to a differential external quantum efficiency of 1.3 emitted photons per injected electron, which exceeds all previously published mid-IR laser results at this wavelength. However, cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy shows the crystalline and interface quality in these structures is far from ideal, suggesting that significant improvement in device performance can be expected with better materials.
Mid-IR interband cascade lasers for remote chemical sensing applications
Space technology and applications international forum - 1998 ; 1998 ; Albuquerque,New Mexico (USA)
AIP Conference Proceedings ; 420 , 1 ; 603-608
1998-01-15
6 pages
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Mid-IR Interband Cascade Lasers for Remote Chemical Sensing Applications
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