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Mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers.
- Source :
-
Nature Photonics . Jul2012, Vol. 6 Issue 7, p432-439. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers are semiconductor injection lasers whose active core implements a multiple-quantum-well structure. Relying on a designed staircase of intersubband transitions allows free choice of emission wavelength and, in contrast with diode lasers, a low transparency point that is similar to a classical, atomic four-level laser system. In recent years, this design flexibility has expanded the achievable wavelength range of quantum cascade lasers to ?3-25 ?m and the terahertz regime, and provided exemplary improvements in overall performance. Quantum cascade lasers are rapidly becoming practical mid-infrared sources for a variety of applications such as trace-chemical sensing, health monitoring and infrared countermeasures. In this Review we focus on the two major areas of recent improvement: power and power efficiency, and spectral performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17494885
- Volume :
- 6
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Nature Photonics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 77387638
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2012.143