Maximizing the population inversion by optimizing the depopulation rate in far-infrared quantum cascade lasers

K. Donovan, P. Harrison, P. Kinsler, R. W. Kelsall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Electron-LO phonon and electron-electron transition rates are calculated for a three-level triple quantum well system to be employed as a laser operating in the far-infrared (30-300 μm) or terahertz (1-10 THz) region. The population ratio is determined from the ratio of the carrier lifetimes in levels |3〉 and |2〉. The most effective way of depopulating the lower laser level is found to be by LO phonon scattering to a strongly coupled state, as occurs at an anticrossing. Back scattering of carriers from level |1〉 to level |2〉 is significant at room temperature, but a population ratio of approximately 5 is possible nonetheless.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)373-376
Number of pages4
JournalSuperlattices and Microstructures
Volume25
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 1999
Externally publishedYes

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