Terahertz quantum cascade lasers based on two-dimensional photonic crystal resonators

Opt Express. 2008 Apr 14;16(8):5206-17. doi: 10.1364/oe.16.005206.

Abstract

We demonstrate high spectral control from surface emitting THz Quantum Cascade Lasers based on a two-dimensional photonic crystal cavity. The perforated top metallic contact acts as an in plane resonator in a tight double-metal plasmonic waveguide providing a strong optical feedback without needing three-dimensional cavity features. The optical far-field patterns do not exhibit the expected symmetry and the shape of the cavity mode. The difference is attributed to a metal surface plasmon mediated light outcoupling mechanism also responsible for the relatively low extraction efficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization / methods
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Infrared Rays
  • Lasers, Semiconductor*
  • Photons
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / instrumentation*