Lasing threshold in quantum well surface-emitting lasers: Many-body effects and temperature dependence

Journal Article · Mon Dec 25 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Applied Physics Letters; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.101928· OSTI ID:6985246

Gourley, P L; Lyo, S K; Brennan, T M; Hammons, B E ^[1]; Schaus, C F; Sun, S ^[2]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185 (USA)
2. Center for High Technology Materials and Department of Electrical and Computing Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 (USA)

The geometry of quantum well surface-emitting lasers has several important consequences. The ultrashort ({similar to}1 {mu}m) vertical cavity defines longitudinal modes with energy separation greater than the bandwidth of spectral gain. The optical confinement of these modes can approach unity. To achieve lasing, high carrier densities ({similar to}10{sup 12} cm{sup {minus}2}) in the quantum well are required. The confined carriers interact through enhanced many-body exchange which influences both the lasing wavelength and threshold characteristics. Indeed, the exchange interaction can facilitate the lasing process. We theoretically and experimentally study the role of the short cavity and exchange interaction on the cw lasing threshold as a function of temperature. In constrast to edge emitters, the lasing threshold in these surface emitters exhibits a well-defined minimum at a particular temperature. The temperature of the minimum can be designed by merely changing the active layer thickness.

• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6985246
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters; (USA), Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters; (USA) Vol. 55:26; ISSN APPLA; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426002* -- Engineering-- Lasers & Masers-- (1990-)
CARRIER DENSITY
DATA
ENERGY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
INFORMATION
LASER CAVITIES
LASERS
NUMERICAL DATA
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES
SEMICONDUCTOR LASERS
SOLID STATE LASERS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THRESHOLD ENERGY