Efficient prediction of terahertz quantum cascade laser dynamics from steady-state simulations
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT (United Kingdom)
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 (Australia)
- Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB (United Kingdom)
Terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers (THz QCLs) based on bound-to-continuum active regions are difficult to model owing to their large number of quantum states. We present a computationally efficient reduced rate equation (RE) model that reproduces the experimentally observed variation of THz power with respect to drive current and heat-sink temperature. We also present dynamic (time-domain) simulations under a range of drive currents and predict an increase in modulation bandwidth as the current approaches the peak of the light–current curve, as observed experimentally in mid-infrared QCLs. We account for temperature and bias dependence of the carrier lifetimes, gain, and injection efficiency, calculated from a full rate equation model. The temperature dependence of the simulated threshold current, emitted power, and cut-off current are thus all reproduced accurately with only one fitting parameter, the interface roughness, in the full REs. We propose that the model could therefore be used for rapid dynamical simulation of QCL designs.
- OSTI ID:
- 22398918
- Journal Information:
- Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 106, Issue 16; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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