Spectrally narrow mid-infrared optically pumped lasers with partial surface DBR.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Mid-Infrared Technology

Background:

• Optically pumped lasers are crucial for various applications requiring specific wavelengths.
• Achieving high power and narrow spectral width simultaneously in mid-infrared lasers presents a significant challenge.
• Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) gratings are effective for spectral control in laser devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel optically pumped mid-infrared edge-emitting laser design.
• To demonstrate spectral narrowing using a partially surface-occupying Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) grating.
• To achieve high quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) power output at a specific mid-infrared wavelength.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of an optically pumped edge-emitting laser.
• Integration of a Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) grating on the laser surface for spectral control.
• Characterization of the laser's power output and spectral properties under quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) operation.

Main Results:

• The developed laser achieved a quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) power output of 3 Watts.
• The laser operates at a wavelength of 3.6 µm.
• The spectral width of the emitted light was narrowed to 7 nm due to the DBR grating.

Conclusions:

• The integration of a surface-occupying DBR grating effectively narrows the spectrum of a high-power mid-infrared laser.
• The demonstrated 3 Watt QCW output at 3.6 µm with a 7 nm spectral width represents a significant advancement in mid-infrared laser technology.
• This laser design holds promise for applications requiring high-power, spectrally narrow mid-infrared light sources.