Multitype Quantum Well Semiconductor Membrane External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers for Widely Tunable Continuous...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Semiconductor Lasers
• Materials Science

Background:

• Membrane external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (MECSELs) offer advanced performance for vertically emitting semiconductor lasers.
• Key advantages include uniform double-sided optical pumping and enhanced heat dissipation.
• MECSELs enable intricate band gap engineering by integrating multiple quantum well (QW) types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel laser gain structure design for MECSELs incorporating diverse QW types.
• To achieve broad-spectrum gain with high-power output and a potentially flat spectral tuning range.
• To ensure sufficient gain across a wide wavelength span, uniform pump absorption, and controlled carrier mobility.

Main Methods:

• Design of a novel laser gain structure for MECSELs.
• Integration of multiple quantum well types within a single gain structure.
• Characterization of spectral tuning range and output power at room temperature.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a full-width half-maximum (FWHM) tuning range exceeding 70 nm (21.7 THz).
• Achieved over 125 mW of output power across the entire tuning range.
• Successful control of carrier mobility between different QW types.

Conclusions:

• The novel MECSEL design enables broad-spectrum, high-power laser operation.
• This approach facilitates significant advancements in tunable semiconductor laser technology.
• The demonstrated performance highlights the potential of multi-QW MECSELs for various applications.