Single-mode, narrow-linewidth external cavity quantum cascade laser through optical feedback from a partial-reflector

Richard A. Cendejas; Mark C. Phillips; Tanya L. Myers; Matthew S. Taubman

doi:10.1364/OE.18.026037

Single-mode, narrow-linewidth external cavity quantum cascade laser through optical feedback from a partial-reflector

Richard A. Cendejas, Mark C. Phillips, Tanya L. Myers, and Matthew S. Taubman

Optics Express
Vol. 18,
Issue 25,
pp. 26037-26045
(2010)
•https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.18.026037

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Richard A. Cendejas, Mark C. Phillips, Tanya L. Myers, and Matthew S. Taubman, "Single-mode, narrow-linewidth external cavity quantum cascade laser through optical feedback from a partial-reflector," Opt. Express 18, 26037-26045 (2010)

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Related Topics
Table of Contents Category
- Lasers and Laser Optics
Optics & Photonics Topics
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The topics in this list come from the OSA Optics and Photonics Topics applied to this article.
Previously assigned OCIS codes
- Laser resonators (140.3410)
- Lasers, single-mode (140.3570)
- Lasers, tunable (140.3600)
- Semiconductor lasers, quantum cascade (140.5965)

About this Article
History
- Original Manuscript: September 13, 2010
- Revised Manuscript: November 14, 2010
- Manuscript Accepted: November 15, 2010
- Published: November 30, 2010

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Open Access

Abstract

An external-cavity (EC) quantum cascade (QC) laser using optical feedback from a partial-reflector is reported. With this configuration, the otherwise multi-mode emission of a Fabry-Perot QC laser was made single-mode with optical output powers exceeding 40 mW. A mode-hop free tuning range of 2.46 cm⁻¹ was achieved by synchronously tuning the EC length and QC laser current. The linewidth of the partial-reflector EC-QC laser was measured for integration times from 100 μs to 4 seconds, and compared to a distributed feedback QC laser. Linewidths as small as 480 kHz were recorded for the EC-QC laser.

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References

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Publication

A. Kosterev, G. Wysocki, Y. Bakhirkin, S. So, R. Lewicki, M. Fraser, F. Tittel, and R. Curl, “Applications of quantum cascade lasers to trace gas analysis,” Appl. Phys. B 90(2), 165–176 (2008).
[Crossref]
J. H. Shorter, D. D. Nelson, J. B. McManus, M. S. Zahniser, and D. K. Milton, “Multicomponent Breath Analysis With Infrared Absorption Using Room-Temperature Quantum Cascade Lasers,” IEEE Sens. J. 10(1), 76–84 (2010).
[Crossref] [PubMed]
K. Fujita, T. Edamura, S. Furuta, and M. Yamanishi, “High-performance, homogenous broad-gain quantum cascade lasers based on dual-upper-state design,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 96(24), 241107 (2010).
[Crossref]
G. Stancu, N. Lang, J. Röpcke, M. Reinicke, A. Steinbach, and S. Wege, “In Situ Monitoring of Silicon Plasma Etching Using a Quantum Cascade Laser Arrangement,” Chem. Vap. Deposition 13(6-7), 351–360 (2007).
[Crossref]
A. Wittmann, Y. Bonetti, M. Fischer, J. Faist, S. Blaser, and E. Gini, “Distributed-Feedback Quantum Cascade Lasers at 9 μm Operating in Continuous Wave Up to 423K,” IEEE Photon. Lett. 21(12), 814–816 (2009).
[Crossref]
G. Wysocki, R. Curl, F. Tittel, R. Maulini, J. Bulliard, and J. Faist, “Widely tunable mode-hop free external cavity quantum cascade laser for high resolution spectroscopic applications,” Appl. Phys. B 81(6), 769–777 (2005).
[Crossref]
R. Maulini, D. A. Yarekha, J. M. Bulliard, M. Giovannini, J. Faist, and E. Gini, “Continuous-wave operation of a broadly tunable thermoelectrically cooled external cavity quantum-cascade laser,” Opt. Lett. 30(19), 2584–2586 (2005).
[Crossref] [PubMed]
G. Wysocki, R. Lewicki, R. Curl, F. Tittel, L. Diehl, F. Capasso, M. Troccoli, G. Hofler, D. Bour, S. Corzine, R. Maulini, M. Giovannini, and J. Faist, “Widely tunable mode-hop free external cavity quantum cascade lasers for high resolution spectroscopy and chemical sensing,” Appl. Phys. B 92(3), 305–311 (2008).
[Crossref]
R. Lang and K. Kobayashi, “External optical feedback effects on semiconductor injection laser properties,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 16(3), 347–355 (1980).
[Crossref]
H. Kakiuchida and J. Ohtsubo, “Characteristics of a semiconductor laser with external feedback,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 30(9), 2087–2097 (1994).
[Crossref]
L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]
N. Mukherjee, R. Go, C. Kumar, and N. Patel, “Linewidth measurement of external grating cavity quantum cascade laser using saturation spectroscopy,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 92(11), 111116 (2008).
[Crossref]
N. Mukherjee and C. Patel, “Molecular fine structure and transition dipole moment of NO2 using an external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Chem. Phys. Lett. 462(1-3), 10–13 (2008).
[Crossref]
G. Hancock, J. van Helden, R. Peverall, G. Ritchie, and R. Walker, “Direct and wavelength modulation spectroscopy using a cw external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 94(20), 201110 (2009).
[Crossref]
T. L. Myers, R. M. Williams, M. S. Taubman, C. Gmachl, F. Capasso, D. L. Sivco, J. N. Baillargeon, and A. Y. Cho, “Free-running frequency stability of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers,” Opt. Lett. 27(3), 170–172 (2002).
[Crossref]
M. S. Taubman, T. L. Myers, B. D. Cannon, R. M. Williams, F. Capasso, C. Gmachl, D. L. Sivco, and A. Y. Cho, “Frequency stabilization of quantum-cascade lasers by use of optical cavities,” Opt. Lett. 27(24), 2164–2166 (2002).
[Crossref]
M. Yamanishi, T. Edamura, K. Fujita, N. Akikusa, and H. Kan, “Theory of the Intrinsic Linewidth of Quantum-Cascade Lasers: Hidden Reason for the Narrow Linewidth and Line-Broadening by Thermal Photons,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 44(1), 12–29 (2008).
[Crossref]
S. Bartalini, S. Borri, P. Cancio, A. Castrillo, I. Galli, G. Giusfredi, D. Mazzotti, L. Gianfrani, and P. De Natale, “Observing the intrinsic linewidth of a quantum-cascade laser: beyond the Schawlow-Townes limit,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 104(8), 083904 (2010).
[Crossref] [PubMed]
F. Bielsa, A. Douillet, T. Valenzuela, J. P. Karr, and L. Hilico, “Narrow-line phase-locked quantum cascade laser in the 9.2 microm range,” Opt. Lett. 32(12), 1641–1643 (2007).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

2010 (3)

J. H. Shorter, D. D. Nelson, J. B. McManus, M. S. Zahniser, and D. K. Milton, “Multicomponent Breath Analysis With Infrared Absorption Using Room-Temperature Quantum Cascade Lasers,” IEEE Sens. J. 10(1), 76–84 (2010).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

K. Fujita, T. Edamura, S. Furuta, and M. Yamanishi, “High-performance, homogenous broad-gain quantum cascade lasers based on dual-upper-state design,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 96(24), 241107 (2010).
[Crossref]

S. Bartalini, S. Borri, P. Cancio, A. Castrillo, I. Galli, G. Giusfredi, D. Mazzotti, L. Gianfrani, and P. De Natale, “Observing the intrinsic linewidth of a quantum-cascade laser: beyond the Schawlow-Townes limit,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 104(8), 083904 (2010).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

2009 (2)

G. Hancock, J. van Helden, R. Peverall, G. Ritchie, and R. Walker, “Direct and wavelength modulation spectroscopy using a cw external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 94(20), 201110 (2009).
[Crossref]

A. Wittmann, Y. Bonetti, M. Fischer, J. Faist, S. Blaser, and E. Gini, “Distributed-Feedback Quantum Cascade Lasers at 9 μm Operating in Continuous Wave Up to 423K,” IEEE Photon. Lett. 21(12), 814–816 (2009).
[Crossref]

2008 (5)

G. Wysocki, R. Lewicki, R. Curl, F. Tittel, L. Diehl, F. Capasso, M. Troccoli, G. Hofler, D. Bour, S. Corzine, R. Maulini, M. Giovannini, and J. Faist, “Widely tunable mode-hop free external cavity quantum cascade lasers for high resolution spectroscopy and chemical sensing,” Appl. Phys. B 92(3), 305–311 (2008).
[Crossref]

A. Kosterev, G. Wysocki, Y. Bakhirkin, S. So, R. Lewicki, M. Fraser, F. Tittel, and R. Curl, “Applications of quantum cascade lasers to trace gas analysis,” Appl. Phys. B 90(2), 165–176 (2008).
[Crossref]

M. Yamanishi, T. Edamura, K. Fujita, N. Akikusa, and H. Kan, “Theory of the Intrinsic Linewidth of Quantum-Cascade Lasers: Hidden Reason for the Narrow Linewidth and Line-Broadening by Thermal Photons,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 44(1), 12–29 (2008).
[Crossref]

N. Mukherjee, R. Go, C. Kumar, and N. Patel, “Linewidth measurement of external grating cavity quantum cascade laser using saturation spectroscopy,” Appl. Phys. Lett. 92(11), 111116 (2008).
[Crossref]

N. Mukherjee and C. Patel, “Molecular fine structure and transition dipole moment of NO2 using an external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Chem. Phys. Lett. 462(1-3), 10–13 (2008).
[Crossref]

2007 (2)

G. Stancu, N. Lang, J. Röpcke, M. Reinicke, A. Steinbach, and S. Wege, “In Situ Monitoring of Silicon Plasma Etching Using a Quantum Cascade Laser Arrangement,” Chem. Vap. Deposition 13(6-7), 351–360 (2007).
[Crossref]

F. Bielsa, A. Douillet, T. Valenzuela, J. P. Karr, and L. Hilico, “Narrow-line phase-locked quantum cascade laser in the 9.2 microm range,” Opt. Lett. 32(12), 1641–1643 (2007).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

2005 (2)

R. Maulini, D. A. Yarekha, J. M. Bulliard, M. Giovannini, J. Faist, and E. Gini, “Continuous-wave operation of a broadly tunable thermoelectrically cooled external cavity quantum-cascade laser,” Opt. Lett. 30(19), 2584–2586 (2005).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

G. Wysocki, R. Curl, F. Tittel, R. Maulini, J. Bulliard, and J. Faist, “Widely tunable mode-hop free external cavity quantum cascade laser for high resolution spectroscopic applications,” Appl. Phys. B 81(6), 769–777 (2005).
[Crossref]

2002 (2)

T. L. Myers, R. M. Williams, M. S. Taubman, C. Gmachl, F. Capasso, D. L. Sivco, J. N. Baillargeon, and A. Y. Cho, “Free-running frequency stability of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers,” Opt. Lett. 27(3), 170–172 (2002).
[Crossref]

M. S. Taubman, T. L. Myers, B. D. Cannon, R. M. Williams, F. Capasso, C. Gmachl, D. L. Sivco, and A. Y. Cho, “Frequency stabilization of quantum-cascade lasers by use of optical cavities,” Opt. Lett. 27(24), 2164–2166 (2002).
[Crossref]

1996 (1)

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

1994 (1)

H. Kakiuchida and J. Ohtsubo, “Characteristics of a semiconductor laser with external feedback,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 30(9), 2087–2097 (1994).
[Crossref]

1980 (1)

R. Lang and K. Kobayashi, “External optical feedback effects on semiconductor injection laser properties,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 16(3), 347–355 (1980).
[Crossref]

Akikusa, N.

Baillargeon, J. N.

Bakhirkin, Y.

Bartalini, S.

Bielsa, F.

Blaser, S.

Bonetti, Y.

Borri, S.

Bour, D.

Bulliard, J.

Bulliard, J. M.

Cancio, P.

Cannon, B. D.

Capasso, F.

Castrillo, A.

Cho, A. Y.

Corzine, S.

Curl, R.

De Natale, P.

Diehl, L.

Douillet, A.

Edamura, T.

Faist, J.

Fischer, M.

Fraser, M.

Fujita, K.

Furuta, S.

Galli, I.

Gianfrani, L.

Gini, E.

Giovannini, M.

Giusfredi, G.

Gmachl, C.

Go, R.

Hancock, G.

Hilico, L.

Hofler, G.

Kakiuchida, H.

H. Kakiuchida and J. Ohtsubo, “Characteristics of a semiconductor laser with external feedback,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 30(9), 2087–2097 (1994).
[Crossref]

Kan, H.

Karr, J. P.

Kobayashi, K.

R. Lang and K. Kobayashi, “External optical feedback effects on semiconductor injection laser properties,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 16(3), 347–355 (1980).
[Crossref]

Kosterev, A.

Kumar, C.

Lang, N.

Lang, R.

R. Lang and K. Kobayashi, “External optical feedback effects on semiconductor injection laser properties,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 16(3), 347–355 (1980).
[Crossref]

Lewicki, R.

Maulini, R.

Mazzotti, D.

McManus, J. B.

Milton, D. K.

Mukherjee, N.

N. Mukherjee and C. Patel, “Molecular fine structure and transition dipole moment of NO2 using an external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Chem. Phys. Lett. 462(1-3), 10–13 (2008).
[Crossref]

Myers, T. L.

Nelson, D. D.

Ohtsubo, J.

H. Kakiuchida and J. Ohtsubo, “Characteristics of a semiconductor laser with external feedback,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 30(9), 2087–2097 (1994).
[Crossref]

Oriá, M.

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

Patel, C.

N. Mukherjee and C. Patel, “Molecular fine structure and transition dipole moment of NO2 using an external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Chem. Phys. Lett. 462(1-3), 10–13 (2008).
[Crossref]

Patel, N.

Peverall, R.

Reinicke, M.

Ritchie, G.

Röpcke, J.

Shorter, J. H.

Sivco, D. L.

So, S.

Stancu, G.

Steinbach, A.

Tabosa, J. W.

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

Taubman, M. S.

Tittel, F.

Troccoli, M.

Valenzuela, T.

van Helden, J.

Viana, L.

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

Vianna, S. S.

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

Walker, R.

Wege, S.

Williams, R. M.

Wittmann, A.

Wysocki, G.

Yamanishi, M.

Yarekha, D. A.

Zahniser, M. S.

Appl. Opt. (1)

L. Viana, S. S. Vianna, M. Oriá, and J. W. Tabosa, “Diode laser mode selection using a long external cavity,” Appl. Opt. 35(3), 368–371 (1996).
[Crossref] [PubMed]

Appl. Phys. B (3)

Appl. Phys. Lett. (3)

Chem. Phys. Lett. (1)

N. Mukherjee and C. Patel, “Molecular fine structure and transition dipole moment of NO2 using an external cavity quantum cascade laser,” Chem. Phys. Lett. 462(1-3), 10–13 (2008).
[Crossref]

Chem. Vap. Deposition (1)

IEEE J. Quantum Electron. (3)

R. Lang and K. Kobayashi, “External optical feedback effects on semiconductor injection laser properties,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 16(3), 347–355 (1980).
[Crossref]

H. Kakiuchida and J. Ohtsubo, “Characteristics of a semiconductor laser with external feedback,” IEEE J. Quantum Electron. 30(9), 2087–2097 (1994).
[Crossref]

IEEE Photon. Lett. (1)

IEEE Sens. J. (1)

Opt. Lett. (4)

Phys. Rev. Lett. (1)

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Fig. 1 (a) Photograph of the EC-QC laser. (b) Block diagram representation of the EC-QC laser setup.

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Fig. 2 (a). Multi-mode spectrum of the FP-QC laser without optical feedback taken at 10% above current threshold. (b) Single-mode spectrum of the FP-QC laser with optical feedback from a ZnSe partial-reflector taken at 10% above current threshold. (c) Single-mode light-current (L-I) characteristics of the EC-QC laser for various external cavity partial-reflectors. The FP-QC laser (no partial-reflector) L-I characteristics are also given for comparison.

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Fig. 3 Three dimensional mode-map of the EC-QC laser single-mode operation and mode-hop free tuning at various starting wavelengths. The FP-QC laser current and EC length were synchronously adjusted (blue line on base plane) to tune the EC-QC laser wavelength over a maximum mode-hop free tuning range of 2.46 cm⁻¹. The collective tuning range is 4.68 cm⁻¹.

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Fig. 4 (a) NH₃ lineshape in terms of detector voltage obtained by scanning the EC-QC laser over the absorption line. The absorption was purposely saturated to magnify the wavelength fluctuations in terms of detector voltage. (b) Time series data set of detector voltage fluctuations for a 1 second integration time collected while the EC-QC laser frequency was on the side of the NH₃ absorption line. (c) Distribution of the EC-QC laser's frequency fluctuations for 1 ms and 1 second integration times.

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Fig. 5 Experimentally-obtained full-width at half maximum (FHWM) EC-QC laser linewidth for DC coupled integration times from 100 µs to 4 seconds. A DFB-QC laser with a similar wavelength was measured using the same technique. The increases in EC-QC laser linewidth at 1 ms and both FP-QC and EC-QC laser linewidths at 1 second are attributed to acoustic vibrations and thermal drifts, respectively.

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