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Threshold performance of pulse-operating quantum-cascade vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers.
Optics Express
|December 16, 2022
Summary
Quantum-cascade vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (QC VCSELs) offer tunable infrared emission. Numerical modeling reveals voltage-driven gain cumulation limits efficiency, but optimal aperture dimensions ensure single-mode operation and low thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Semiconductor Lasers
Background:
- Quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) offer unique wavelength flexibility in the infrared.
- Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) provide desirable beam characteristics and testing advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a numerical model for analyzing the threshold operation of quantum-cascade vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (QC VCSELs).
- To investigate physical phenomena and mechanisms influencing QC VCSEL performance, particularly efficiency limitations.
Main Methods:
- Demonstration of a numerical model for QC VCSEL threshold operation under pulsed conditions.
- Analysis of voltage-driven gain cumulation as a key efficiency-limiting factor.
- Numerical simulations to study the impact of optical and electrical aperture dimensions.
Main Results:
- Identified voltage-driven gain cumulation as the primary mechanism limiting QC VCSEL efficiency.
- Determined the range of aperture dimensions that support single transversal mode operation.
- Achieved low threshold currents through optimized aperture sizing.
Conclusions:
- QC VCSELs integrate QCL tunability with VCSEL advantages.
- Optimizing aperture dimensions is crucial for efficient, single-mode QC VCSEL operation.
- Further research can leverage these findings for advanced infrared laser development.
