Electrically Spectral-Switchable Longwave Quantum Cascade Lasers beyond λ~10 μm

Abstract

A spectral-switchable longwave quantum cascade laser design emitting at 10.5 μm is reported. The active region features a multi-miniband transition design for broad and multi-band operations. Spectral-switchability between λ~8.59-9.67 μm and 10.20-10.68 μm is achieved from a Littrow external cavity device by varying the voltages. The maximum peak power at room temperature and continuous wave power at 298 K is 1.4 W and 0.32 W, respectively. This multi-spectra switchable laser source would be ideal for selective multi-gas sensing and spectroscopy.