Transistor-Injected Quantum-Cascade Laser (TI-QCL)
Robert Kaufman, Kevin Pikul, and Leah Espenhahn present a high-level view on the research conducted within the group at the 2023 Engineering Research Fair. Over the course of two hours, 74 undergraduate students show interest in the group and the research being performed.
The transistor-injected quantum cascade laser (TI-QCL) is a novel design for a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) laser that seeks to overcome some of the primary limitations of standard quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). By growing the active cascade region within the base-collector junction of an npn heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT), independent control of the injection current and active region bias is achievable through the emitter current and base-collector reverse bias respectively. The active region bias is important to properly align the lasing states and to control the lasing wavelength. Physical design limitations of the TI-QCL and their effects on the fabrication process of samples is presented. In order to characterize device performance and validate fabrication improvements, InP-based device samples designed for λ= 7.3 µm emission are fabricated. Preliminary characterization results are shown in the form of diode measurements to validate the HBT electrical operation of the TI-QCL which is necessary to realize the optical benefits of the device.
The Advanced Semiconductor Device and Integration Group is proud to share a recent publication by Kanuo Chen, Fu-Chen (Alex) Hsiao, Brittany Joy, and Professor Dallesasse on demonstrating the ability to control radiative base recombination in a quantum-cascade light emitting transistor that shows performance benefits of a transistor-injected QCL over conventional QCL devices.
Applied Physics B Article Link
