Multi-Wavelength Quantum Cascade Laser Array with Integrated Planar Concave Grating Beam Combiner

In this proposal, a monolithic MWIR wavelength beam combining architecture ispresented based on a custom planar concave grating. This concept can combine multiple highpower quantum cascade lasers with pre-selected emission wavelengths into a single outputaperture with high efficiency. The goal is to realize all optical functions, including both activeand passive waveguiding, on the native InP substrate used for lasers. The proposed effort willexplore the design of all relevant components and demonstrate combining efficiency, outputbeam quality, and scalability of the complete architecture through simulation. One of the maincomponents is a composite waveguide which can be produced in a single growth process.Demonstration of a composite waveguide laser will be used to show proof-of-concept for thisapproach.