Title :
Power, efficiency, and thermal characteristics of type-II interband cascade lasers
Author :
Yang, Rui Q. ; Bradshaw, John L. ; Bruno, J.D. ; Pham, J.T. ; Wortman, D.E.
Author_Institution :
Army Res. Lab., Adelphi, MD, USA
fDate :
2/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
High-performance mid-infrared type-II interband cascade lasers have been demonstrated under continuous-wave (CW) conditions with record-high wall-plug efficiencies (>14%) and output powers (>100 mW/facet) above 77 K. Device characteristics of these type-II interband cascade lasers are investigated systematically in terms of their output powers and efficiencies. Also, by comparing the temperature dependence of the threshold currents under pulsed and CW conditions, the thermal resistance and maximum heat sink temperature for CW operation are estimated for several mesa sizes. The limiting factors due to device heating for high-power/high-efficiency operation are identified and discussed in connection with device dimensions and packaging for the purpose of assessing further improvements
Keywords :
heat sinks; infrared sources; quantum well lasers; semiconductor device packaging; thermo-optical effects; 14 percent; 77 K; CW conditions; device dimensions; efficiencies; maximum heat sink temperature; mid-infrared type-II interband cascade lasers; output powers; packaging; pulsed lasers; temperature dependence; thermal characteristics; thermal resistance; threshold currents; type-II interband cascade lasers; wall-plug efficiencies; Chemical lasers; Laser modes; Laser transitions; Photonic band gap; Power generation; Power lasers; Quantum cascade lasers; Semiconductor lasers; Temperature; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
