High Power, Electronically Steerable Quantum Cascade Lasers

The goal of this proposed Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate a monolithic architecture for two-dimensional, all-electronic beam steering of a high power, mid-infrared laser. A photonic integrated circuit architecture is described which contains a widely tunable, mid-infrared quantum cascade laser integrated with a phase-adjustable amplifier array and a high efficiency grating outcoupler. This will enable electronic beam steering over a wide range, along with high power output which is desirable for IRCM applications. This proposal outlines the design, fabrication, and testing goals, which include features for mitigating atmospheric absorption and phase control over individual emitters.