A Multifaceted Journey in Quantum Cascade Lasers: Systems, Characterization, and Material Challenges

ECE PRE FPO PRESENTATION
Date
Oct 15, 2024, 8:30 am9:30 am
Location
EQUAD B205

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Event Description

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are semiconductor lasers that emit light from the mid-infrared to the terahertz region through intersubband transitions. The high optical power output, wide tuning range, and room temperature operation readiness make QCLs useful for spectroscopic applications such as remote or in-situ sensing of environmental or hazardous. 
This presentation is split into three parts: Quantum Cascade Lasers Powered by a Pulsed 6.78 MHz Wireless Power Transfer System, Characterization of Quantum Cascade Lasers Designed Using Machine Learning, and Utility of a Low-Doped AlGaAs Claddings for Long-Wavelength GaAs-Based Quantum Cascade Lasers. The first project demonstrates a high-frequency, pulsed, inductive, wireless power transfer system with a full-bridge diode receiver for QCLs. It operates at 6.78 MHz to create a pulsed 2μs 10V/1.3A output, for room-temperature QCL operation. The second project demonstrates lasing from a QCL designed by utilizing a ML algorithm to optimize the figure of merit rather than using our 1D-Schrödinger solver. QCLs using this design were fabricated and characterized to compare with simulated results. Finally, the third project explores the trade-off of optical vs. electrical performance for low-doped AlGaAs cladding in leu of highly doped GaAs to mitigate free carrier absorption losses in long-wavelengths (λ > 13μm) QCLs. These three projects encompass system design, characterization, fabrication, and handling fabrication challenges of QCLs.

 

Adviser: Claire F. Gmachl,