Real-Time Measure of the Lattice Temperature of a Semiconductor Heterostructure Laser via an On-Chip Integrated Graphene Thermometer

The on-chip integration of two-dimensional nanomaterials, having exceptional optical, electrical, and thermal properties, with terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) has recently led to wide spectral tuning, nonlinear high-harmonic generation, and pulse generation. Here, we transfer a large area (1 x 1 cm2) multilayer graphene (MLG), to lithographically define a micro thermometer, on the bottom contact of a single-plasmon THz QCL to monitor, in real-time, its local lattice temperature during operation. We exploit the temperature dependence of the MLG electrical resistance to measure the local heating of the QCL chip. The results are further validated through microprobe photoluminescence experiments, performed on the front-facet of the electrically driven QCL. We extract a heterostructure cross-plane conductivity of k perpendicular to= 10.2 W/m center dot K, in agreement with previous theoretical and experimental reports. Our integrated system endows THz QCLs with a fast (similar to 30 ms) temperature sensor, providing a tool to reach full electrical and thermal control on laser operation. This can be exploited, inter alia, to stabilize the emission of THz frequency combs, with potential impact on quantum technologies and high-precision spectroscopy.

Automated summary

The on-chip integration of two-dimensional nanomaterials with terahertz quantum cascade lasers has led to wide spectral tuning, nonlinear high-harmonic generation, and pulse generation. In this study, a large area multilayer graphene (MLG) was transferred to a THz QCL to monitor its local lattice temperature during operation. The MLG's temperature dependence of electrical resistance was used to measure the local heating of the QCL chip. The results were validated through photoluminescence experiments. This integrated system provides a fast temperature sensor for THz QCLs and enables full electrical and thermal control on laser operation.