Mid-IR Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser

Maxion Technologies proposes to develop a robust, high power, monolithic widely tunable Quantum Cascade Laser (QC) laser. We plan to implement a multi-section QC laser to create a monolithically tunable device, similar to those demonstrated in the near IR for telecommunications. This laser will be tuned through application of voltage to tuning elements incorporated directly in the QC laser without the need of external tuning optics or thermal tuning of the laser assembly as a whole. As a result, this laser will be rapidly tunable and usable in field environments due to its insensitivity to shock and vibration. The spatial mode profile of this laser will be comparable to that of a conventional fixed wavelength QCL, while the tunability will make the device flexible enough to defeat potential counter-counter measures in an IRCM application. In an explosives sensing system, the wide tuning range of the device will allow for enhanced ability to discriminate against background chemicals.