Towards Room Temperature Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers (THz QCLs) are arguably the most promising technology today for the compact, efficient generation of THz radiation. Their main limitation is that they require cryogenic cooling, which dominates their ownership cost. Therefore, achieving room-temperature operation is essential for the widespread adoption of THz QCLs. This thesis analyzes the limitations of THz QCL maximum lasing temperature (Tmax) and proposes solutions. THz QCL Tmax is hypothesized to be limited by a fundamental trade-off between gain oscillator strength ful and upper-level lifetime [Tau]. This so-called "ful[Tau] tradeoff" is shown to explain the failure of designs which target [Tau] alone. A solution is proposed in the form of highly diagonal (low ful) active region design coupled with increased doping. Experimental results indicate the strategy to be promising, but heavily doped designs are shown to suffer band-bending effects which may deteriorate performance. In order to treat these band-bending effects, which are typically neglected in previous THz QCL designs, a fast transport simulation tool is developed. Scattering integrals are simplified using the assumption of thermalized sub bands. Results comparable to ensemble Monte Carlo are achieved at a fraction of the computational expense. Carrier leakages to continuum states are also investigated, although they are found to have little effect. Other work in this thesis includes the optimization of double-metal THz waveguides to enable Tmax ~ 200 K, a current world record. Furthermore, laser designs to investigate the leakages of carriers to high-energy subbands and continuum states were fabricated and tested; such parasitic leakages are suggested to be small. Finally, the design of gain media for applications is examined, notably the development of 4.7 THz gain media for OI line detection in astrophysics, and the development of broadband heterogeneous gain media for THz comb generation.

The as yet unattained milestone of room-temperature operation is essential for establishing Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers (THz QCLs) as practical sources of THz radiation. Temperature performance is hypothesized to be limited by upper laser level lifetime reduction due to non-radiative scattering, particularly by longitudinal optical phonons. To address this issue, this work studies highly "diagonal" QCLs, where the upper and lower laser level wave functions are spatially separated to preserve upper laser level lifetime, as well as several other issues relevant to high temperature performance. The highly diagonal devices of this work performed poorly, but the analysis herein nevertheless suggest that diagonality as a design strategy cannot yet be ruled out. Other causes of poor performance in the lasers are identified, and suggestions for future designs are made.

Learn how the rapidly expanding area of mid-infrared and terahertz photonics has been revolutionized in this comprehensive overview. State-of-the-art practical applications are supported by real-life examples and expert guidance. Also featuring fundamental theory enabling you to improve performance of both existing and future devices.

A state-of-the-art overview of this rapidly expanding field, featuring fundamental theory, practical applications, and real-life examples.

Presently, terahertz quantum cascade lasers still suffer from operations below room temperature, which prohibits extensive applications in terahertz spectra. The past continuous contributions to improving the operating temperatures were by clarifying the main thermal degradation process and proposing different designs with the optical gain demonstrating higher temperature cut-offs. Recent designs have attempted to employ a narrow period length with a simplified and clean state system, and reach renewed operating temperatures above 200 K. This study reveals how historic designs approach such narrow-period designs, discus the limitations within those designs, and show further possible designs for higher operating temperatures.

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are attractive for high-resolution spectroscopy because they can provide high power and a narrow linewidth. They are particularly promising in the terahertz (THz) range since they can be used as local oscillators for heterodyne detection as well as transmitters for direct detection. However, THz QCL-based technologies are still under development and are limited by the lack of frequency tunability as well as the frequency and output power stability for free-running operation. In this dissertation, frequency tuning and linewidth of THz QCLs are studied in detail by using rotational spectroscopic features of molecular species. In molecular spectroscopy, the Doppler eff ect broadens the spectral lines of molecules in the gas phase at thermal equilibrium. Saturated absorption spectroscopy has been performed that allows for sub-Doppler resolution of the spectral features. One possible application is QCL frequency stabilization based on the Lamb dip. Since the tunability of the emission frequency is an essential requirement to use THz QCL for high-resolution spectroscopy, a new method has been developed that relies on near-infrared (NIR) optical excitation of the QCL rear-facet. A wide tuning range has been achieved by using this approach. The scheme is straightforward to implement, and the approach can be readily applied to a large class of THz QCLs. The frequency and output stability of the local oscillator has a direct impact on the performance and consistency of the heterodyne spectroscopy. A technique has been developed for a simultaneous stabilization of the frequency and output power by taking advantage of the frequency and power regulation by NIR excitation. The results presented in this thesis will enable the routine use of THz QCLs for spectroscopic applications in the near future.

This book describes the physics, fabrication technology, and applications of the quantum cascade laser.

The book presents information about Terahertz science, Terahertz photodetectors and Terahertz Lasers. A special emphasis is given to room temperature operation of long wavelength photodetectors based on novel quantum dots (Centered Defect Spherical Quantum Dots). Moreover, a complete analysis of systems based on Quantum Cascade structures to detect far infrared wavelengths is provided. Finally, the book presents Terahertz laser principles considering multi-color lasers in this range of wavelengths. Written as a background for graduate students in the Optics field.

An authoritative and comprehensive guide to the devices and applications of Terahertz technology Terahertz (THz) technology relates to applications that span in frequency from a few hundred GHz to more than 1000 GHz. Fundamentals of Terahertz Devices and Applications offers a comprehensive review of the devices and applications of Terahertz technology. With contributions from a range of experts on the topic, this book contains in a single volume an inclusive review of THz devices for signal generation, detection and treatment. Fundamentals of Terahertz Devices and Applications offers an exploration and addresses key categories and aspects of Terahertz Technology such as: sources, detectors, transmission, electronic considerations and applications, optical (photonic) considerations and applications. Worked examplesbased on the contributors extensive experience highlight the chapter material presented. The text is designed for use by novices and professionals who want a better understanding of device operation and use, and is suitable for instructional purposes This important book: Offers the most relevant up-to-date research information and insight into the future developments in the technology Addresses a wide-range of categories and aspects of Terahertz technology Includes material to support courses on Terahertz Technology and more Contains illustrative worked examples Written for researchers, students, and professional engineers, Fundamentals of Terahertz Devices and Applications offers an in-depth exploration of the topic that is designed for both novices and professionals and can be adopted for instructional purposes.