Title :
Resonant-phonon terahertz quantum-cascade laser operating at 2.1 THz (λ≃141 μm)
Author :
Williams, B.S. ; Kumar, S. ; Hu, Q. ; Reno, J.L.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng., Massachusetts Inst. of Technol., Cambridge, MA, USA
fDate :
4/1/2004 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The development of quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) at 2.1 THz (λ≃141 μm), which is the longest wavelength QCL to date without the assistance of magnetic fields, is reported. This laser uses a structure based on resonant-phonon depopulation, and a metal-metal waveguide to obtain high modal confinement with low waveguide losses. Lasing was observed up to a heatsink temperature of 72 K in pulsed mode and 40 K in continuous-wave (CW) mode, and 1.2 mW of power was obtained in CW mode at 17 K.
Keywords :
laser modes; optical losses; optical waveguides; quantum cascade lasers; resonant tunnelling; submillimetre wave lasers; 1.2 mW; 141 micron; 17 K; 2.1 THz; 40 K; 72 K; continuous wave mode; heatsink temperature; high modal confinement; low waveguide losses; optical scattering; pulsed mode; resonant phonon depopulation; resonant tunnelling; terahertz quantum cascade laser;
Journal_Title :
Electronics Letters
DOI :
10.1049/el:20040300
