Impact of Spatial Hole Burning and Linewidth Enhancement Factor on Distributed-Feedback Quantum Cascade Lasers: A Comprehensive Design Analysis

In this article, we use a time-domain traveling-wave approach with a coupled-mode theory to describe the dynamics of a mid-Infrared (MIR) Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) in the Distributed-Feedback (DFB) configuration. We demonstrate that linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) and spatial hole burning (SHB)...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sara Zaminga, Lorenzo Columbo, Carlo Silvestri, Mariangela Gioannini, Frederic Grillot
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2024-01-01
Series:IEEE Photonics Journal
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Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10461039/
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Summary:In this article, we use a time-domain traveling-wave approach with a coupled-mode theory to describe the dynamics of a mid-Infrared (MIR) Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) in the Distributed-Feedback (DFB) configuration. We demonstrate that linewidth enhancement factor (LEF) and spatial hole burning (SHB) play a crucial role in influencing the device&#x0027;s single-mode behavior. Neglecting them leads to an overestimation of the interval of pump currents granting single-mode emission and to an inaccurate simulation of the QCLs&#x0027; multimode dynamics. By taking into account these two mechanisms, we inspect the combined action of the DFB grating&#x0027;s coupling strength and end facets&#x0027; reflectivity. The purpose is to supply designers with a guideline to achieve the optimal structure for efficient single-mode emission, which is a highly required specification in manifold applications, like free-space optical communication. Numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental findings relative to a DFB QCL operating at 9.34 <inline-formula><tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu$</tex-math></inline-formula>m.
ISSN:1943-0655