High-Power, Room-Temperature Interband Cascade Laser Optimization

ABSTRACT: Maxion Technologies, Inc, and the State University of New York at Stony Brook propose to develop a fundamental understanding of the principles of operation of interband cascade (IC) lasers and to use that understanding to overcome present-day limitations of IC lasers and thereby design lasers that are capable of watt-level performance in the 3V4-fYm wavelength band. Our innovation is to use a modular computational approach to assessing and improving the performance of IC lasers, integrated with experimental validation. The theoretical approach is to structure the proposed Sdesign toolbox around the COMSOL Multiphysics suite of modules that are designed to apply a modular approach to the solution of coupled ordinary and partial differential equations and that takes advantage of existing COMSOL modules previously developed by the proposers. The present Phase I proposal concentrates on three primary objectives in pursuit of the overall goal: (1) characterize Maxions best-available IC lasers using Hakki-Paoli measurements and cavity-length analysis; (2) develop a modular, COMSOL-based computer code for the design and analysis of IC laser performance; and (3) investigate the feasibility of using the modular, COMSOL-based design approach to developing a full modeling capability for analysis and design of high-performance IC lasers during Phase II. BENEFIT: The proposed program will increase the room-temperature, cw performance of IC lasers from the present power levels of tens of mW to 1 W and above. These improvements will reduce the complexity of next-generation IRCM laser transmitters now under development for existing seeker threats and will enable defeat of next-generation threats. At mid-IR wavelengths between 2.4 and 4 fYm, additional defense-related applications exist including lasers for target designators, IFF beacons, free-space communications, and IR scene simulators for sensor evaluation. Maxion Technologies, Inc. is one of only a few domestic sources of QC and IC lasers and is the only company with an exclusive license for the sale of IC lasers. In the 3 5 fYm wavelength region, we are already developing and marketing IC lasers for application to chemical sensing and industrial process control, and the performance improvements enabled by the proposed program will facilitate additional applications in these areas.