Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Luke J. Mawst, Dan Botez
Summary: This paper reviews the design issues and performance limitations of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, with a focus on emission in the 3-6 μm wavelength range. Photon crystal structures with high built-in index contrast show the most promise for achieving high output powers.
IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mudit Sinhal, Anatoly Johnson, Stefan Willitsch
Summary: This article presents a robust approach for precise spectroscopic experiments using mid-infrared quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) that simultaneously achieve linewidth narrowing, frequency stabilization, and absolute frequency referencing. The technology has the potential to advance studies in precision spectroscopy and quantum technologies.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Francis Vanier, Anais Parrot, Christian Padioleau, Alain Blouin
Summary: This study presents the characterization of minerals using tunable external cavity quantum cascade lasers for mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Reflection spectra of common minerals and their variations are shown. Measurements at different incident angles were conducted to mimic field applications. Finally, the technique's quality and usability for mineral characterization were assessed through spectra obtained from mineral mixtures.
APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Aleksandr Kuzmicz, Emilia Pruszynska-Karbownik, Kamil Piersscinski, Piotr Gutowski, Dorota Pierscinska, Kamil Janus, Krzysztof Michalak, Grzegorz Sobczak, Maciej Sakowicz
Summary: This study analyzes the theoretical and experimental aspects of mid-infrared quantum cascade laser Fabry-Perrot waveguides with various sidewall geometries. It compares the performance of wet etched double trench geometry with dry etched single ridge geometry at different sidewall angles, finding that the latter operates in the fundamental transverse mode for larger waveguide widths. The optimal sidewall angle is around 64 degrees.
INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Optics
Kumar Kinjalk, Daniel Andres Diaz-Thomas, Zeineb Loghmari, Michael Bahriz, Roland Teissier, Alexei N. Baranov
Summary: In this study, InAs-based quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) operating near 14 μm were reported to have a threshold current density J(th) as low as 0.6 kA/cm(2) at room temperature. The achieved threshold was lower than that of the best reported InP-based QCLs without facet treatment, partially due to an increased separation between the upper transition level and the next one in the active quantum wells of the QCL design employed.
Article
Optics
Lukasz A. Sterczewski, Mathieu Fradet, Clifford Frez, Siamak Forouhar, Mahmood Bagheri
Summary: Mid-wave infrared optical frequency combs (OFC) are crucial for spectroscopy applications. Quantum well diode laser (QWDL) OFC shows excellent spectral uniformity and narrow optical linewidths. The source offers a wide optical span and high repetition rate. QWDL OFCs are highly suitable for chip-based real-time sensing systems in the mid-infrared.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Euijae Shim, Andres Gil-Molina, Ohad Westreich, Yamac Dikmelik, Kevin Lascola, Alexander L. Gaeta, Michal Lipson
Summary: This study demonstrates a tunable, single-mode mid-IR laser at 3.4 μm using a tunable high-Q silicon microring cavity and a multi-mode Interband Cascade Laser. By utilizing self-injection locking, single-frequency lasing with 0.4 mW output power and a wide tuning range with high side mode suppression ratio were achieved.
COMMUNICATIONS PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Chao Ning, Tian Yu, Shuman Liu, Jinchuan Zhang, Lijun Wang, Junqi Liu, Ning Zhuo, Shenqiang Zhai, Yuan Li, Fengqi Liu
Summary: We demonstrate GaSb-based interband cascade lasers with high output power and good reliability.
CHINESE OPTICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Renchun Tao, Tai Li, Jiajia Yang, Yixin Wang, Fang Liu, Bowen Sheng, Zhen Huang, Susu Yang, Liuyun Yang, Xin Rong, Tao Wang, Bo Shen, Yasuhiko Arakawa, Xinqiang Wang
Summary: In this study, the linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) of III-nitride quantum dot (QD) lasers was investigated using a comprehensive theoretical model. It was found that the LEF values of InGaN QD lasers can be smaller and more robust against inhomogeneous broadening than those of InGaAs QD lasers. Additionally, the improvement in LEF from quantum well to QD in III-nitride semiconductors is greater than that in III-arsenide. These findings not only highlight the advantages of III-nitride QD lasers for high spectral purity and low-chirp applications, but also provide a general guideline for designing QD lasers with lower LEF values in various semiconductor materials.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Shuai Wang, Zun-Ren Lv, Qiu-Lu Yang, Sheng-Lin Wang, Hong-Yu Chai, Lei Meng, Dan Lu, Chen Ji, Xiao-Guang Yang, Tao Yang
Summary: A high-power, ultra-low-noise 1.3 μm InAs/GaAs QD distributed feedback laser is demonstrated by combining atom-like quantum dot materials and advanced lateral gratings. This laser achieves stable single-longitudinal-mode output power of 100 mW from 25 celcius to 85 celcius, with a maximum side mode suppression ratio of 62.6 dB. It also demonstrates a high temperature stability, a record-narrow intrinsic linewidth of 1.62 kHz, and a strong tolerance to external optical feedback.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Optics
P. Ashok, M. Ganesh Madhan
Summary: This article exhaustively investigates the impedance characteristics of mid-infrared Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs), including the effects of different device parameters on impedance and modulation characteristics, and the optimal performance achieved under various conditions. Understanding the impedance characteristics of QCLs is crucial for designing matching circuits, reducing reflections, and improving device efficiency.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Bin-Bin Zhao, Xing-Guang Wang, Cheng Wang
Summary: The study demonstrates that tilted optical feedback with a misaligned reflection mirror can trigger quantum cascade lasers to generate low-frequency oscillations, including irregular pulse oscillations and square wave oscillations. The oscillation period is in the microsecond range, generally decreasing with increasing tilt angle, and the duty cycle of the square waves is tunable through varying the tilt angle. It is also noted that weak feedback strength or low pump current results in rare occurrence of pulse oscillations.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Xu Gao, Ke Yang, Yi-xuan Zhu, Jun-qi Liu, Shen-qiang Zhai, Shu-man Liu, Ning Zhuo, Jin-chuan Zhang, Li-jun Wang, Feng-qi Liu, Xiao-hua Wang, Zhi-peng Wei
Summary: The authors demonstrate a high-speed 8.5-μm quantum cascade laser (QCL) that operates continuously at room temperature. A maximum output power of 141 mW is achieved at 20 degrees C. By monolithically integrating a pi-shaped metal contact electrode, the parasitic capacitance of the device is reduced from 36.6 to 7.1 pF, resulting in an increased -3 dB RF modulation bandwidth from 870 MHz to 4.5 GHz compared to the conventional electrode configuration.
ELECTRONICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Barbara Schneider, Filippos Kapsalidis, Mathieu Bertrand, Matthew Singleton, Johannes Hillbrand, Mattias Beck, Jerome Faist
Summary: This work demonstrates the control of the emitted state from quantum cascade laser frequency combs through strong radio-frequency current modulation, achieving adjustments in spectral bandwidth and center frequency. Different spectral characteristics can be achieved at different modulation frequencies, allowing for the generation of multiple spectral regions on the same device.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alejandro M. Villalobos M. Meza, Monas Shahzad, Dagan Hathaway, Hong Shu, Arkadiy Lyakh
Summary: The thermal conductivity of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) decreases as the design changes to reduce wavelength. The impact of superlattice interface density on thermal conductivity is the largest contribution to this change.
Article
Optics
H. Huang, J. Duan, B. Dong, J. Norman, D. Jung, J. E. Bowers, F. Grillot
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olivier Spitz, Andreas Herdt, Jiagui Wu, Gregory Maisons, Mathieu Carras, Chee-Wei Wong, Wolfgang Elsaesser, Frederic Grillot
Summary: Mid-infrared free-space optical communication has great potential for high-speed communication, but data security remains a major challenge. This study demonstrates the use of chaos synchronization in a QCL-based free-space link to enhance the privacy of transmissions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Optics
Frederic Grillot, Jianan Duan, Bozhang Dong, Heming Huang
Summary: Semiconductor nanostructures, such as quantum dots and quantum dashes, offer high performance photonic devices with unique quantum properties and optical phenomena. These nanostructures have diverse applications in photonics, including silicon-based integrated technologies and quantum information systems, playing a crucial role in shaping the future information and communication society.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chen Shang, Yating Wan, Jennifer Selvidge, Eamonn Hughes, Robert Herrick, Kunal Mukherjee, Jianan Duan, Frederic Grillot, Weng W. Chow, John E. Bowers
Summary: Epitaxially grown quantum dot lasers offer improved defect tolerance and various advantages, leading to increased interest in exploring photonic integration. Breakthroughs in achieving long lifetime on a silicon substrate pave the way for commercial-relevant device reliability.
Article
Physics, Applied
Shihao Ding, Bozhang Dong, Heming Huang, John Bowers, Frederic Grillot
Summary: The spectral dependence of the linewidth enhancement factor (alpha(H)-factor) of a multimode InAs/GaAs quantum dot laser was analyzed. The results show that the induced conversion efficiency is increased at lasing wavelengths where the linewidth enhancement is lower.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Yu Deng, Zhuo-Fei Fan, Bin-Bin Zhao, Xing-Guang Wang, Shiyuan Zhao, Jiagui Wu, Frederic Grillot, Cheng Wang
Summary: This study reports a fully-developed hyperchaos phenomenon in the mid-infrared regime, generated by interband cascade lasers subjected to external optical feedback. The hyperchaotic optical signal has a broad frequency range and high Lyapunov exponents. Mid-infrared hyperchaos can be valuable for developing long-reach secure optical communication and remote chaotic Lidar systems.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Olivier Spitz, Laureline Durupt, Frederic Grillot
Summary: This study investigates the behavior of quantum-cascade lasers under external optical feedback, with a focus on the influence of beam-splitter characteristics on optical power properties. The results show that packaged quantum-cascade lasers exhibit extended conditions of operation and increased maximum power under strong optical feedback. Various non-linear dynamics were observed by adding a periodic electrical perturbation.
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Olivier Spitz, Andreas Herdt, Pierre Didier, Wolfgang Elsaesser, Frederic Grillot
Summary: Communication privacy is crucial for expanding networks, and many remote areas lack broadband access due to difficulties or costs in deploying current systems. This work demonstrates a mid-infrared free-space cryptosystem based on chaos synchronization between two quantum cascade lasers, with optimal amplitude conditions for privacy and deciphering. This paves the way for widespread adoption of quantum cascade lasers in future communication systems.
IEICE NONLINEAR THEORY AND ITS APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Optics
Olivier Spitz, Frederic Grillot
Summary: This article gathers recent findings on the non-linear dynamics of distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) and highlights their potential practical applications. Unlike other semiconductor lasers that emit in the visible or near-infrared region, QCL technology exploits intersubband transitions and quantum engineering to emit light in the mid-infrared and far-infrared domain. While it was previously thought that these characteristics hindered the generation of non-linear dynamics under external optical control, the article reveals that a wide range of phenomena, including high-dimensional chaos and giant pulses, can be observed in QCLs under external optical feedback or optical injection with a continuous current bias. Comparisons are drawn between QCLs and their interband counterparts, as similar phenomena have been observed in other semiconductor lasers.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS-PHOTONICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shihao Ding, Bozhang Dong, Heming Huang, John E. Bowers, Frederic Grillot
Summary: This paper discusses the reflection sensitivity of a 1.3 μm InAs/GaAs quantum dot laser grown on silicon under direct modulation operation. The quantum dot laser demonstrates high tolerance to back reflections with low error transmission at 6 Gbps. This study opens up opportunities for developing directly modulated isolator-free photonic integrated circuits based on quantum dot lasers.
ELECTRONICS LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Weng W. Chow, Yating Wan, John E. Bowers, Frederic Grillot
Summary: This article presents a method to calculate the spontaneous emission limited linewidth of a semiconductor laser. The method involves describing the laser cavity using composite laser/free-space eigenmodes, applying multimode laser theory to handle mode competition and multiwave mixing, and incorporating quantum-optical contributions to account for spontaneous emission effects. The model is applied to the case of linewidth narrowing in an InAs quantum-dot laser coupled to a high-Q SiN cavity.
LASER & PHOTONICS REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shiyuan Zhao, Frederic Grillot
Summary: A semi-classical rate equation model based on Green's function method is introduced for the amplitude squeezing of mid-infrared interband cascade lasers. The squeezing performance is analytically investigated through a small signal analysis, considering the anti-correlation between photons reflected and transmitted at the output laser facet, which leads to additional partition noise in the output power. The squeezing effect can be achieved in the low frequency region under noise-suppressed pump conditions. The amplitude squeezed states in interband cascade lasers can be qualitatively evaluated depending on the pump noise conditions. These ultra-low amplitude noise laser sources have various applications in high precision measurements, metrology, and spectroscopy, where they can replace current shot-noise limited laser mid-infrared sources.
IEEE PHOTONICS JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Frederic Grillot, Weng W. Chow, Bozhang Dong, Shihao Ding, Heming Huang, John Bowers
Summary: Quantum dot lasers based on silicon are discussed in this paper for their advantages in passive mode-locking applications. The conditions for frequency comb and pulse train formation are quantitatively described and the mode locking process is explained. The path to achieve transform-limited performance is discussed and compared with experimental results. The impact of linewidth enhancement on performance is investigated, along with the self-consistent explanation of multimode interactions in the locking mechanism.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Optics
Jianan Duan, Bozhang Dong, Weng W. Chow, Heming Huang, Shihao Ding, Songtao Liu, Justin C. Norman, John E. Bowers, Frederic Grillot
Summary: This work compares the FWM effect in epitaxial QD lasers grown on silicon with QW lasers. The results show good agreement between theory and experiment, with the measured FWM coefficient matching theoretical predictions. Despite the same FWM coefficient, p-doped QD lasers exhibit higher gain in signal power than undoped lasers. QD lasers, with their near-zero linewidth enhancement factor, have FWM coefficients and conversion efficiency more than one order of magnitude higher than QW lasers, leading to self-mode locking. These findings are important for developing on-chip sources for photonic integrated circuits on silicon.
PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Optics
Pierre Didier, Hamza Dely, Thomas Bonazzi, Olivier Spitz, Elie Awwad, Etienne Rodriguez, Angela Vasanelli, Carlo Sirtori, Frederic Grillot
Summary: Free-space optical communication is a promising alternative to fiber communication systems. This study demonstrates the possibility of building a long-range link using unipolar quantum optoelectronics, achieving a record bitrate.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS
(2022)
