Multitype Quantum Well Semiconductor Membrane External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers for Widely Tunable Continuous Wave Operation

Patrik Rajala, Philipp Tatar-Mathes, Hoy My Phung, Jesse Koskinen, Sanna Ranta, Mircea Guina, Hermann Kahle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Membrane external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (MECSELs) represent a cutting-edge approach in pushing the performance boundaries of vertically emitting semiconductor lasers. The fundamental concept of employing an extremely thin gain membrane, spanning from hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers in thickness and sandwiched between transparent heat spreaders, introduces novel opportunities through uniform double-sided optical pumping and enhanced heat dissipation from the active region. Additionally, these advantages of MECSELs facilitate more intricate band gap engineering possibilities for the active region by integrating multiple types of quantum wells (QWs) into a single laser gain structure. This work introduces a novel design strategy for laser gain structures incorporating various QW types. The objective is to achieve broad-spectrum gain with relatively high-power operation and potentially a flat spectral tuning range. Our design focuses on ensuring sufficient gain across a wide wavelength span, achieving uniform pump absorption, and limiting carrier mobility between different quantum well types during laser operation. We demonstrate a full-width half-maximum (FWHM) tuning range exceeding 70 nm (equivalent to more than 21.7 THz) with over 125 mW of output power across this entire tuning range at room temperature.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3492-3501
Number of pages10
JournalACS Photonics
Volume11
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Sept 2024
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • broadband gain
  • constant power
  • MECSEL
  • optical pumping
  • semiconductor laser
  • VECSEL
  • wavelength tuning
  • wide bandwidth

Publication forum classification

  • Publication forum level 2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Biotechnology
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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