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Theory of the Intrinsic Linewidth of Quantum-Cascade Lasers: Hidden Reason for the Narrow Linewidth and Line-Broadening by Thermal Photons

2007; IEEE Photonics Society; Volume: 44; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1109/jqe.2007.907563

1558-1713

Masamichi Yamanishi, Tadataka Edamura, Kazuue Fujita, Naota Akikusa, Hirofumi Kan,

Laser Design and Applications

We have developed a theory of the intrinsic linewidths of laser output of single-mode quantum-cascade (QC) lasers in mid-infrared and terahertz (THz) ranges. In the theoretical treatment, the concept of an effective coupling efficiency of spontaneous emission, given by a fractional rate of spontaneous emission coupled into a lasing mode to total nonlasing relaxation, is introduced to clarify a hidden reason for the narrowness of the linewidths. A narrow linewidth (12-kHz) reported with a frequency-stabilized 8.5- distributed-feedback QC laser is successfully interpreted in terms of an extremely small effective coupling efficiency of spontaneous emission, caused by ultrafast nonradiative scatterings. The present theory predicts the presence of a minimum ldquolinewidth floorrdquo in a high-injection-current region and the independence of linewidth on detuning between gain-peak and emission wavelengths. The theoretical treatment is expanded to derive the further modified Schawlow-Townes formula including the line-broadening by black body radiation in a THz QC laser. The linewidth of a THz QC laser is predicted to be considerably broadened by black body radiation.