Author Affiliations
Abstract
The development of teranertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) has progressed considerably since their advent almost a decade ago. THz QCLs operating in a frequency range from 1.4 to 4 THz with electron-phonon scattering mediated depopulation schemes are described. Several different types of GaAs/AlGaAs superlattice designs are reviewed. Some of the best temperature performances are obtained by the so-called resonant-phonon designs that are described. Operation above a temperature of 160 K has been obtained across the spectrum for THz QCLs operating at \nu >1.8 THz. The maximum operating temperature of previously reported THz QCLs has empirically been limited to a value of ~\hbar \omega/kB. A new design scheme for THz QCLs with scattering-assisted injection is shown to surpass this empirical temperature barrier, and is promising to improve the maximum operating temperatures of THz QCLs even further.
140.5965 Semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade 140.3070 Infrared and far-infrared lasers Chinese Optics Letters
2011, 9(11): 110003