The quantum cascade laser （QCL）, a potential laser source for mid-infrared applications, has all of the advantages of a semiconductor laser, such as small volume and light weight, and is driven by electric power. However, the optical power of a single QCL is limited by serious self-heating effects. Therefore, beam combination technology is essential to achieve higher laser powers. In this letter, we demonstrate a simple beam combination scheme using two QCLs to extend the output peak power of the lasers to 2.3 W. A high beam combination efficiency of 89% and beam quality factor of less than 5 are also achieved.
We investigate the effects of spontaneously generated coherence （SGC） on both the steady and transient gain properties in a four-level inverted-Y-type atomic system in the presence of a weak probe, two strong coherent fields, and an incoherent pump. For the steady process, we find that the inversionless gain mainly origins from SGC. In particular, we can modulate the inversionless gain by changing the relative phase between the two fields. Moreover, the amplitude of the gain peak can be enhanced and the additional gain peak can appear by changing the detuning of the coupling field. As for the transient process, the transient gain properties can also be dramatically affected by the SGC. Compared to the case without SGC, the transient gain can be greatly enhanced with completely eliminated transient absorption by choosing the proper relative phase between the two fields. And the inverted-Y-type system with SGC can be simulated in both atomic and semiconductor quantum well systems avoiding the conditions of SGC.
An edge emitting laser with two symmetrical near-circular spots located far field （FF） is demonstrated using tapered double-sided Bragg reflection waveguides （BRWs）. The BRWs consist of six pairs of top p-type and bottom n-type A10.Ga0.9 As/A10.3 Ga0.7As Bragg reflectors with a period thickness of 850 nm. The device has a 4° tapered angle configuration and exhibits two stable circular beams with a separation angle of 52°. Typical FF angles of 5.87° and 7.8° in the lateral and vertical directions, respectively, are achieved. The lateral FF angle in the ridged section is independent of the injection current （〉0.8 A） beeause of narrow ridge （-10 μm） confinement. By contrast, the FF angle in the tapered section shows an increase rate of 1.2 1.66°/A. The periodic modulation of the lasing wavelength is observed to be sensitive to self-heating effects.
The quantum cascade laser(QCL),a potential laser source for mid-infrared applications,has all of the advantages of a semiconductor laser,such as small volume and light weight,and is driven by electric power.However,the optical power of a single QCL is limited by serious self-heating efects.Therefore,beam combination technology is essential to achieve higher laser powers.In this letter,we demonstrate a simple beam combination scheme using two QCLs to extend the output peak power of the lasers to 2.3 W.A high beam combination efciency of 89% and beam quality factor of less than 5 are also achieved.
