Terahertz ambipolar dual-wavelength quantum cascade laser

Opt Express. 2009 Oct 26;17(22):19926-32. doi: 10.1364/OE.17.019926.

Abstract

Terahertz frequency quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) are compact solid-state sources of terahertz radiation that were first demonstrated in 2002. They have a broad range of potential applications ranging from gas sensing and non-destructive testing, through to security and medical imaging, with many polycrystalline compounds having distinct fingerprint spectra in the terahertz frequency range. In this article, we demonstrate an electrically-switchable dual-wavelength THz QCL which will enable spectroscopic information to be obtained within a THz QCL-based imaging system. The device uses the same active region for both emission wavelengths: in forward bias, the laser emits at 2.3 THz; in reverse bias, it emits at 4 THz. The corresponding threshold current densities are 490 A/cm(2) and 330 A/cm(2), respectively, with maximum operating temperatures of 98K and 120 K.

MeSH terms

  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Lasers*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Terahertz Radiation*