High duty cycle operation of quantum cascade lasers based on graded superlattice active regions

High duty cycle operation of quantum cascade superlattice lasers with graded superlattice active regions is investigated with the goal of achieving high average optical power. The optical output power increases with pulse width and decreases with heat sink temperature. This behavior is explained on the basis of the laser core temperature oscillations during the pulsed, high duty cycle operation. Between 175 and 325 K heat sink temperature, optimum duty cycles vary from 10% to 1% and average power levels vary from 50 to 1 mW for various lasers used in this study. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.