Engineering the Sensitivity and Response Time of Edge-Emitting Laser Hydrogen Sensors

Simulation results and experimental measurements are presented for ridge waveguide edge-emitting lasers with a palladium thin film integrated for hydrogen gas detection. The palladium film experiences a refractive index change when in contact with hydrogen, causing a shift in the laser´s output power and wavelength. It is found that the sensitivity of the device can be controlled by altering the width of the ridge waveguide, and the response time can be controlled by regulating the operating temperature of the device.