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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: C. Martijn de Sterke
  • Vol. 17, Iss. 2 — Jan. 19, 2009
  • pp: 649–657

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 17 > Issue 2 > Page 649

Tree array quantum cascade laser

Leonard K. Hoffmann, Matthias Klinkmüller, Elvis Mujagić, Mykhaylo P. Semtsiv, Werner Schrenk, William T. Masselink, and Gottfried Strasser  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 17, Issue 2, pp. 649-657 (2009)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.17.000649


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Abstract

A monolithic coupling scheme for mid-infrared quantum cascade laser arrays is investigated with respect to brightness enhancement. The tree-shaped resonator enables parallel coupling of six laser elements into a single element by means of several Y-junctions. Phase-locking is observed on the basis of far field analysis, and leads to in-phase emission on both sides of the device. The experimental results match calculated far field profiles and demonstrate a high level of modal control when driven far above threshold. Whereas optical power measurements confirm negligible coupling losses, the slope efficiency is below the theoretically expected value, which is attributed to modal competition. Additional evaluation of near fields and spectral characteristics provides background on the modal dynamics of the sophisticated cavity and reveals limitations to coherent beam combining. The findings pave the way to improved coupling efficiency and brightness scaling of a single facet emitting compact quantum cascade laser array.

© 2009 Optical Society of America

OCIS Codes
(140.3070) Lasers and laser optics : Infrared and far-infrared lasers
(140.3290) Lasers and laser optics : Laser arrays
(140.3410) Lasers and laser optics : Laser resonators
(140.3295) Lasers and laser optics : Laser beam characterization
(140.5965) Lasers and laser optics : Semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade

ToC Category:
Lasers and Laser Optics

History
Original Manuscript: November 12, 2008
Revised Manuscript: December 15, 2008
Manuscript Accepted: December 15, 2008
Published: January 7, 2009

Citation
Leonard K. Hoffmann, Matthias Klinkmüller, Elvis Mujagić, Mykhaylo P. Semtsiv, Werner Schrenk, William T. Masselink, and Gottfried Strasser, "Tree array quantum cascade laser," Opt. Express 17, 649-657 (2009)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-17-2-649


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