Performance characteristics of a continuous-wave compact widely tunable external cavity interband cascade lasers

We present the design and performance of a novel broadly tunable continuous-wave external-cavity interband cascade laser (ECicL). The ICL die growth and fabrication, as well as the external cavity geometry are described. Tuning across the 3.2-3.35 mu m wavelength range, limited by the gain width of the ICL active medium, is achieved at a maximum power level of 4 mW. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America