Surface Plasmon Quantum Cascade Lasers at lambda ~19microns

The longest wavelength III-V semiductor laser to date has been realized employing a quantum cascade configuration for the active material. It operates at lambda ~19microns on inter-miniband transitions in graded superlattices. The waveguide is based on surface plasmon modes confined at a metal-semiconductor interface. The devices emit peak output powers of 14 mW per facet at 10 K and laser action is achieved up to the maximum temperature of 145K.