Abstract
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a quantum cascade laser (QCL) that provides the ultra-high output power, brightness, and beam quality needed for broad-area applications. Example applications include hyperspectral imaging, infrared illumination, and military countermeasures that protect aircrafts against shoulder-fired heat-seeking missiles. Key to the invention is an ultra-thin active region with low thermal resistance and the ability to use angled grating distributed feedback (a-DFB) configurations.
Technical Details
The invention consists of an a-DFB QCL device and fabrication methods. It comprises a substrate, one or more emitting facets, and semiconductor layers forming an ultra-thin active region that dramatically reduces thermal resistance. Also included is a shallow ridge or simple contact-strip configuration to suppress mode reflection at the lateral active region/waveguide interface and an a-DFB grating for spatial mode selection. The new QCL can emit continuous-wave laser output or a pulsed laser output through the emitting facet. Multiple QCLs combined into a W-shaped array can reach optical power levels above 100W into a high brightness beam.
Benefit
Provides high power QCL systems that have excellent beam qualityMuch lower resistance; therefore, lower heat dissipationStrong spatial mode selectionMarket Application
Infrared beacons and target designatorsInfrared countermeasuresHyperspectral imaging
Brochure
