Multi-Spectral Quantum Cascade Lasers on Silicon With Integrated Multiplexers

Author(s)
E. J. Stanton, A. Spott, J. Peters, M. L. Davenport, A. Malik, N. Volet, J. Liu, C. D. Merritt, I. Vurgaftman, C. S. Kim, J. R. Meyer, and J. E. Bowers
Publication Image
(a) Top-view schematic of the QCL array and arrayed waveguide grating (AWG). Mirrors are defined under the red III-V QCL ridges for both the distributed feedback (DFB) and distributed Bragg-reflection (DBR) type lasers. (b) Micrograph of a multi-spectral DFB laser, showing the individual lasers on the left and the AWG combiner on the right.
Publication Date
Publication Type
Journal
Journal/Conference Name
Photonics
Indexing
Vol. 6, No. 1, 6

Multi-spectral midwave-infrared (mid-IR) lasers are demonstrated by directly bonding quantum cascade epitaxial gain layers to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) waveguides with arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) multiplexers. Arrays of distributed feedback (DFB) and distributed Bragg-reflection (DBR) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting at 4.7 μmwavelength are coupled to AWGs on the same chip. Low-loss spectral beam combining allows for brightness scaling by coupling the light generated by multiple input QCLs into the fundamental mode of a single output waveguide. Promising results are demonstrated and further improvements are in progress. This device can lead to compact and sensitive chemical detection systems using absorption spectroscopy across a broad spectral range in the mid-IR as well as a high-brightness multi-spectral source for power scaling.

Publication File
Research Areas
Silicon Photonics