Type II Interband Quantum Cascade Mid-Infrared Laser

Sensors Unlimited will grow, fabricate and test a Type II AlGaAsSb/InAs/InGaSb interband quantum cascade laser (QCL) designed to operate at a wavelength of 3.3 ¿m. The goal of this program is the delivery of the relevant basic material and structural characterization necessary for the design of a type II interband quantum cascade laser along with a QCL operating at a temperature of at least 273 K. The motivation for a 3.3 ¿m wavelength is the commercial potential of mid-infrared laser diodes for CH4 gas-sensing applications. In order to achieve this goal, Sensors Unlimited will use the services of Sarnoff Corporation to grow and fabricate low-loss broadened waveguide laser structures in the antimonide system. In addition to the electrical injection laser structure, we will separately fabricate and test the optical gain and superlattice electrical injection regions of the quantum cascade active region in order to evaluate the basic material properties, such as absorption, thermal conductivity, and the electrical and optical performance of the respective regions. Data from these measurements will prove invaluable for further designs to be fabricated and tested in Phase II of the program. For this program, Sensors Unlimited and Sarnoff Corporation will leverage the experience gained by successful commercialization of 2.6 ¿m antimonide-based Type I quantum well lasers.