Broadband quantum-dot lasers approach production

July 1, 2006
An economically manufacturable, continuous-wave single-mode quantum-dot laser with spectral width in excess of 20 nm and spectral wavelength between 1200 and 1320 nm has been developed at NL Nanosemiconductor (Dortmund, Germany).

An economically manufacturable, continuous-wave single-mode quantum-dot laser with spectral width in excess of 20 nm and spectral wavelength between 1200 and 1320 nm has been developed at NL Nanosemiconductor (Dortmund, Germany). Special growth conditions for self-assembled indium arsenide-gallium arsenide quantum dots and a new laser-epitaxial-structure design were developed to enhance the effect of spectral-hole burning in diode lasers, achieving a reproducible shape of the lasing spectrum for a given value of the pump current.

Emerging applications for light sources with broad spectra include optical-coherence-tomography imaging systems, which typically use superluminescent LEDs or amplified-spontaneous-emission sources. Another high-volume potential for such devices may come with the introduction of silicon-based modulation technology, in which many parallel channels are pumped by one light source; having a laser that delivers light with high power density over a wide range of wavelength could prove beneficial for future wavelength-division-multiplexing silicon-photonic systems. The development of quantum-dot broadband lasers has been focused mainly on this kind of application, but work is also being done to extend the lasing spectrum to greater than 40 nm, targeting other opportunities such as medical and military applications. Contact Guido Vogel at [email protected].

Sponsored Recommendations

Next generation tunable infrared lasers

Nov. 28, 2023
Discussion of more powerful and stable quantum cascade tunable infrared lasers, applications, and test results.

What AI demands mean for data centers

Nov. 28, 2023
The 2023 Photonics-Enabled Cloud Computing Summit assembled by Optica took an aggressive approach to calling out the limitations of today’s current technologies.

SLP feature for lighting control available on cameras offering

Nov. 28, 2023
A proprietary structured light projector (SLP) feature is now available on the company’s camera series, including the ace 2, boost R, ace U, and ace L.

Chroma Customer Spotlight - Dr. David Warshaw, About his Lab

Nov. 27, 2023
David Warshaw, Professor and Chair of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Vermont (UVM), walks us through his lab. Learn about his lab’s work with the protein...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!