Mid-infrared w quantum-well lasers for noncryogenic continuous-wave operation.

Area of Science:

• Semiconductor Lasers
• Quantum Well Physics
• Mid-Infrared Optoelectronics

Background:

• Antimonide quantum wells with type II W configuration are key for mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser development.
• Previous research focused on improving operating temperatures and output characteristics of these lasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in electrically injected and optically pumped mid-IR lasers based on antimonide W quantum wells.
• To highlight performance achievements and novel configurations.

Main Methods:

• Review of studies on antimonide W quantum well lasers.
• Analysis of device performance under electrical injection and optical pumping.
• Investigation of advanced configurations like diamond pressure bond heat sinks and angled-grating distributed feedback.

Main Results:

• Continuous-wave (cw) operation of W quantum-well diodes achieved up to 195 K at 3.25 µm.
• Optically pumped devices reached 290 K at 3 µm and 210 K at 6 µm using diamond pressure bond heat sinks.
• Pulsed power conversion efficiencies reached 7% at 220 K with an optical pumping injection cavity.
• Angled-grating distributed-feedback configuration achieved near-diffraction-limited output.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in enhancing the performance of mid-IR lasers based on antimonide W quantum wells.
• Advanced techniques like optical pumping injection cavities and specific grating configurations are crucial for high efficiency and beam quality.
• These developments pave the way for more robust and efficient mid-IR laser sources.