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

该计划的目标是发展主动锁模量子级联激光器，作为中红外范围内的超短脉冲和频率梳的实用来源。智能的优点是探索一种新的、非常有希望的方法来产生中红外范围的超短脉冲和频率梳。目前没有锁模半导体激光器工作在该光谱区域。该项目将能够在坚固和紧凑的设置中产生稳定、强大的锁模脉冲。这项工作也将在半导体纳米结构的激光物理和非线性光学方面取得重大进展。我们将展示、研究和利用一种新的量子级联激光光源的工作模式和结构。因此，这项拟议的研究是真正具有变革性的，将极大地推动最新技术的发展。中红外锁模半导体激光器将成为从中红外遥感和成像到激光计量、材料加工、激光治疗和激光外科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一种紧凑、坚固的解决方案。教育和推广计划旨在增加应用物理和工程学方面的教育和培训机会。建议的研究包括理论和实验两个部分，而且确实是跨学科的。这种学科的结合为学生提供了一个独特的教育环境。在研究中开发的知识和技术将被纳入课程，并通过出版物、技术转让和研究小组进行传播？网站。计划开展大量的外联活动。

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.