Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are powerful testing grounds for the fundamental physical parameters determined by their quantum nature. The associated wealth of unique physical properties makes the QCL a subject of extensive research, especially across the far-infrared, where the electron-phonon relaxation dynamics, the gain mechanisms and the related intrinsic QCL features need to be extensively investigated. Here, we report a complete overview of the frequency-noise power spectral density of a THz QCL, giving an experimental and analytical evaluation of its intrinsic linewidth and a full investigation of the physics beyond it, offering a new perspective of use of ultra-narrow THz QCL sources as a metrological grade tool for a widespread range of photonic applications.
Quantum-limited linewidth in THz quantum cascade lasers
TREDICUCCI, ALESSANDRO;
2013-01-01
Abstract
Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are powerful testing grounds for the fundamental physical parameters determined by their quantum nature. The associated wealth of unique physical properties makes the QCL a subject of extensive research, especially across the far-infrared, where the electron-phonon relaxation dynamics, the gain mechanisms and the related intrinsic QCL features need to be extensively investigated. Here, we report a complete overview of the frequency-noise power spectral density of a THz QCL, giving an experimental and analytical evaluation of its intrinsic linewidth and a full investigation of the physics beyond it, offering a new perspective of use of ultra-narrow THz QCL sources as a metrological grade tool for a widespread range of photonic applications.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
