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Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Characterizing Far-infrared Laser Emissions and the Measurement of Their Frequencies

Published on: December 18, 2015

Electrically switchable emission in terahertz quantum cascade lasers.

Joshua R Freeman¹, Owen P Marshall, Harvey E Beere

¹Semiconductor Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK. jrf40@cam.ac.uk

|November 26, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study demonstrates electrically switchable terahertz emission using a novel heterogeneous quantum cascade laser design. The laser emits at two distinct frequencies, showcasing tunable terahertz (THz) output.

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Area of Science:

Solid State Physics
Quantum Electronics
Optoelectronics

Background:

Terahertz (THz) technology requires advanced light sources.
Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are promising THz emitters.
Achieving tunable or switchable emission in THz QCLs is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate electrically switchable emission in a THz quantum cascade laser.
To investigate the performance of a heterogeneous cascade design with dual active regions.
To analyze the effect of active region positioning on laser threshold behavior.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of a heterogeneous THz quantum cascade laser incorporating two distinct active region designs within a single waveguide.
Characterization of laser emission frequencies and thresholds.
Temperature-dependent performance analysis up to 91K.

Main Results:

Successful demonstration of electrically switchable emission at two distinct THz frequencies (2.6 THz and 3.0 THz).
The relative position of active regions did not influence the order of laser threshold attainment.
High performance achieved, with 2.6 THz and 3.0 THz modes operating up to 60K and 91K, respectively, and low thresholds as 79 Acm⁻² for the 2.6 THz mode.

Conclusions:

Heterogeneous cascade designs enable electrically switchable THz emission.
The demonstrated device offers tunable THz output with good operational performance.
This work paves the way for advanced THz applications requiring frequency agility.