Room-temperature high-speed mid-infrared quantum cascade laser with π-shape metal contact

The authors demonstrate a high-speed 8.5-mu m quantum cascade laser (QCL) with room temperature continuous wave (CW) operation. The maximum output power of 141 mW is obtained at 20 degrees C. The parasitic capacitance of the device is decreased from 36.6 to 7.1 pF by monolithic integrating a pi-shape metal contact electrode. This results in an increase in the -3 dB RF modulation bandwidth from 870 MHz to 4.5 GHz compared with the conventional electrode configuration.

Automated summary

The authors demonstrate a high-speed 8.5-μm quantum cascade laser (QCL) that operates continuously at room temperature. A maximum output power of 141 mW is achieved at 20 degrees C. By monolithically integrating a pi-shaped metal contact electrode, the parasitic capacitance of the device is reduced from 36.6 to 7.1 pF, resulting in an increased -3 dB RF modulation bandwidth from 870 MHz to 4.5 GHz compared to the conventional electrode configuration.