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High frequency modulation capabilities and quasi single-sideband emission from a quantum cascade laser
Optics Express
|October 17, 2014
Summary
Directly modulated quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) exhibit unique frequency modulation behavior, enabling optical quasi single sideband (SSB) modulation. This finding opens new possibilities for QCLs in telecommunication and spectroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Semiconductor Lasers
Background:
- Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are semiconductor lasers with unique properties.
- Direct modulation of semiconductor lasers is crucial for optical communications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intensity (IM) and frequency modulation (FM) behavior of directly modulated QCLs.
- To identify novel modulation characteristics of QCLs.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurement of IM and FM response from 300 Hz to 1.7 GHz.
- Quantitative determination of tuning coefficients.
- Theoretical modeling for data extraction.
Main Results:
- Observed transition from thermal to electronic tuning in QCLs.
- Identified a unique FM behavior in QCLs.
- Demonstrated optical quasi single sideband (SSB) modulation via current injection.
Conclusions:
- QCLs exhibit distinct FM characteristics not seen in other directly modulated lasers.
- The identified SSB modulation capability makes QCLs suitable for telecommunication and high-speed spectroscopy.
