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λ~7.1 μm quantum cascade lasers with 19% wall-plug efficiency at room temperature
Richard Maulini1, Arkadiy Lyakh, Alexei Tsekoun
1Pranalytica, Inc., Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.
Optics Express
|September 22, 2011
Summary
High-efficiency InGaAs/AlInAs quantum cascade lasers operating at 7.1 μm demonstrate 19% peak wall-plug efficiency. These lasers achieve significant continuous-wave power at room temperature, showcasing advanced quantum designs for infrared applications.
Area of Science:
- Semiconductor Physics
- Optoelectronics
- Quantum Engineering
Background:
- Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are semiconductor devices emitting coherent light.
- Efficient mid-infrared emission is crucial for various spectroscopic and sensing applications.
- Strain-balanced heterostructures are key for high-performance QCLs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on strain-balanced In0.6Ga0.4As/Al0.56In0.44As quantum cascade lasers.
- To investigate a three-phonon-resonance quantum design for enhanced performance.
- To optimize laser design for high wall-plug efficiency at room temperature.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of strain-balanced In0.6Ga0.4As/Al0.56In0.44As heterostructures.
- Implementation of a three-phonon-resonance design in the active region.
- Development of a theoretical model for lower laser level backfilling.
Main Results:
- Achieved emission wavelength of 7.1 μm.
- Demonstrated a maximum wall-plug efficiency of 19% in pulsed mode at 293 K.
- Measured 1.4 W continuous-wave output power and 10% wall-plug efficiency at 293 K.
- Reported 1.2 W average power in uncooled operation.
Conclusions:
- The three-phonon-resonance design enables high efficiency in mid-infrared QCLs.
- Optimized voltage defect of ~100 meV maximizes room-temperature wall-plug efficiency.
- These lasers represent a significant advancement for uncooled infrared sources.
