High-power CW quantum cascade lasers: How short can we go?

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Abstract
Limiting factors for short-wavelength CW QCL designs are discussed. A model is used to predict the short-wavelength cutoff for strain-balanced QCL structures. High performance is predicted at wavelengths as short as 3.0 micron based on a conduction band offset of 0.9 eV in the GaInAs/AlInAs materials. Recent work is presented on the growth of strained materials using gas-source molecular beam epitaxy to investigate the model predictions. Advanced material characterization, including high-resolution x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, atomic force microscopy, and wafer-scale uniformity and repeatability are demonstrated for highly-strained and strain-balanced QCL structures. Laser testing results are presented for QCLs operating near the short wavelength limit at 3.66 micron. Lastly, predictions for further performance improvement at short wavelengths are discussed.

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