Collaborative Research: Ultrashort pulse generation and mid-infrared frequency combs from quantum cascade lasers

该计划的目标是开发主动锁模量子级联激光器，作为中红外范围内超短脉冲和频率梳的实用源。智力上的优点是探索一种新的和非常有前途的方法来产生超短脉冲和频率梳在中红外范围内。目前还没有锁模半导体激光器在这个光谱区域工作。该项目将在一个坚固紧凑的装置中产生稳定、强大的锁模脉冲。这项工作也将导致半导体纳米结构的激光物理和非线性光学的重大进展。本文将展示、研究和应用一种新的量子级联激光源的工作机制和结构。因此，提出的研究是真正的变革，并将大大推进国家的艺术。更广泛的影响是广泛和实质性的。中红外锁模半导体激光器将成为中红外遥感和成像、激光计量、材料加工、激光治疗和激光手术等许多重要应用的关键元件。锁模量子级联激光器将为上述应用提供紧凑、强大的解决方案。教育和推广计划旨在增加应用物理和工程方面的教育和培训机会。拟议的研究包括理论和实验两部分，是真正的跨学科研究。这些学科的结合为学生提供了一个独特的教育环境。研究期间发展的知识和技术将纳入课程，并通过出版物、技术转让和研究小组传播。网站。计划开展大量外联活动。

The objective of this program is to develop actively mode-locked quantum cascade lasers as a practical source of ultrashort pulses and frequency combs in the mid-infrared range. The intellectual merit is to explore a novel and highly promising approach to produce ultrashort pulses and frequency combs in the mid-infrared range. There are currently no mode-locked semiconductor lasers operating in this spectral region. The project will enable generation of stable, powerful mode-locked pulses in a robust and compact setup. This work will also lead to significant advancement in laser physics and nonlinear optics of semiconductor nanostructures. A new operation regime and configuration of a quantum cascade laser source will be demonstrated, studied and utilized. Therefore, the proposed research is truly transformative and will greatly advance the state-of-the art.The broader impacts are wide-ranging and substantial. Mid-infrared mode-locked semiconductor lasers will be key elements for many important applications ranging from mid-infrared remote sensing and imaging to laser metrology, material processing, laser therapy and laser surgery. Mode-locked quantum cascade lasers will provide a compact, robust solution for the above applications. Educational and outreach plan is aimed at enhancing the education and training opportunities in applied physics and engineering. The proposed research includes both theoretical and experimental components and is really interdisciplinary. This combination of disciplines offers a unique educational environment for students. Knowledge and techniques developed during research will be incorporated into courses and disseminated through publications, technology transfer, and the research groups? websites. Substantial outreach activity is planned.