COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Rapidly tunable quantum cascade lasers for FM optical links and spectroscopy

本研究的目的是从理论和实验两方面研究利用模态有效折射率的偏压控制对单模量子级联激光器发射频率进行快速电控制的机理和局限性。采用全电控制发射频率的快速可调谐单模量子级联激光器将用于演示自由空间光调频链路的原型。本研究旨在进一步探索量子级联激光器的独特物理特性和设计灵活性。我们将研究电压控制器件频率的有效性与其性能特性之间的微妙相互作用。这项工作将创造实现中红外半导体激光器所需的知识，该激光器可以以远高于1ghz的速度进行频率调制。更广泛的影响拟议的研究包含许多学科的元素，包括量子力学，光学，高频电子学和半导体微制造，并为研究生和本科生提供良好的教育环境。在研究过程中获得的知识将被纳入主要研究者教授的研究生课程，并通过出版物、技术转让和研究小组网站向研究界传播。在该项目中开发的设备有望在8-12微米大气透明窗口内建立基于调频的高保真光通信链路。

The objective of this research is to study both theoretically and experimentally the mechanisms and limitations of rapid electrical control of the emission frequency in single-mode quantum cascade lasers using bias control of the modal effective refractive index. Rapidly tunable single-mode quantum cascade lasers with all-electrical control of the emission frequency will be used to demonstrate a prototype of a free-space optical frequency-modulation link.Intellectual MeritsThe proposed research is aimed at further exploration of the unique physics and design flexibility of quantum cascade lasers. We will study a delicate interplay between the effectiveness of voltage control of the devices frequency and their performance characteristics. This work will create knowledge needed of the realization of mid-infrared semiconductor lasers that can be frequency modulated at speeds well above 1 GHz.Broader ImpactsThe proposed research contains elements of many disciplines, including quantum mechanics, optics, high-frequency electronics, and semiconductor microfabrication and provides an excellent educational environment for graduate and undergraduate students. Knowledge developed during the research will be incorporated into graduate-level courses taught by the principle investigators, and disseminated to the research community through publications, technology transfer, and the research group websites. The devices developed over the course of this project are expected to enable the creation of high-fidelity optical communication links based on frequency-modulation in the 8-12 microns atmospheric transparency window.