Mid-Infrared Quantum-Dot Quantum Cascade Laser: A Theoretical Feasibility Study

Michael, Stephan; Chow, Weng; Schneider, Hans

doi:10.3390/photonics3020029

Mid-Infrared Quantum-Dot Quantum Cascade Laser: A Theoretical Feasibility Study

Journal Article · Fri May 13 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Photonics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics3020029· OSTI ID:2370449

Michael, Stephan; Chow, Weng;

In the framework of a microscopic model for intersubband gain from electrically pumped quantum-dot structures we investigate electrically pumped quantum-dots as active material for a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser. Our previous calculations have indicated that these structures could operate with reduced threshold current densities while also achieving a modal gain comparable to that of quantum well active materials. Here, we study the influence of two important quantum-dot material parameters, namely inhomogeneous broadening and quantum-dot sheet density, on the performance of a proposed quantum cascade laser design. In terms of achieving a positive modal net gain, a high quantum-dot density can compensate for moderately high inhomogeneous broadening, but at a cost of increased threshold current density. However, by minimizing quantum-dot density with presently achievable inhomogeneous broadening and total losses, significantly lower threshold densities than those reported in quantum-well quantum-cascade lasers are predicted by our theory.

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Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000

OSTI ID:: 2370449

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1257807

Report Number(s):: SAND2016-4834J; PII: photonics3020029

Journal Information:: Photonics, Journal Name: Photonics Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 3; ISSN PHOTC5; ISSN 2304-6732

Publisher:: MDPI AGCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: Switzerland

Language:: English

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