Thermal Monitoring of Quantum Cascade Lasers Using Scanning Near-Field Infrared Radiometry With Sub-Wavelength Resolution

Max-IR Labs, LLC., proposes a Phase I STTR program in conjunction with the University of Texas at Dallas to demonstrate the feasibility of the design, development, and production of scanning near-field infrared temperature sensor for thermal mapping of small heat sources. The specific application of the proposed instrument is targeted towards the optimization of the design of Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs), where thermal effects can have a significant impact on a laser's optical performance and can serve as potential failure mechanism. Based on the principles of near-field optics, the instrument implements a tapered infrared fiber with a sub-wavelength aperture as a sensor element that allows measurements over large temperature ranges with a sub-wavelength spatial resolution from a variety of materials (metal, semiconductor, and dielectric). The proposed work will demonstrate the feasibility to measure temperatures from the QCL facet and prepare towards Phases II and III of the program that will emphasize the development of the instrument targeting the required functionality and characterization needs of the optoelectronic components research and production market.