Magnetic-field-assisted terahertz quantum cascade laser operating up to 225 K

• DOI: 10.1038/nphoton.2008.251
• Publication Date: 2008-12-15T08:19:16Z
• Authors: A. Wade; G. Fedorov; D. Smirnov; S. Kumar; B. S. Williams; Q. Hu; J. L. Reno
• Keywords: Population inversion; Quantum cascade laser; Photomixing

Advances in semiconductor bandgap engineering have resulted in the recent development of the terahertz quantum cascade laser1. These compact optoelectronic devices now operate in the frequency range 1.2-5 THz, although cryogenic cooling is still required2.3. Further progress towards the realization of devices operating at higher temperatures and emitting at longer wavelengths (sub-terahertz quantum cascade lasers) is difficult because it requires maintaining a population inversion between closely spaced electronic sub-bands (1 THz approx. equals 4 meV). Here, we demonstrate a magnetic-field-assisted quantum cascade laser based on the resonant-phonon design. By applying appropriate electrical bias and strong magnetic fields above 16 T, it is possible to achieve laser emission from a single device over a wide range of frequencies (0.68-3.33 THz). Owing to the suppression of inter-landau-level non-radiative scattering, the device shows magnetic field assisted laser action at 1 THz at temperatures up to 215 K, and 3 THz lasing up to 225 K.