Quantum Cascade Laser Tuning by Digital Micromirror Array-controlled External Cavity

Abstract

A quantum cascade laser (QCL) tuning mechanism based on an external laser cavity containing a Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) spatial light modulator in the form of a two-dimensional digital micromirror array (DMA) is described. The laser is tuned by modulating the reflectivity of DMA micromirror pixels under computer control. The resulting functionality enables fast (<0.1ms switching time) digitally controlled random-access wavelength tuning, high-bandwidth wavelength modulation (~30kHz modulation rate), and stable wavelength locking of the laser output. With one or more QCL gain elements built into the cavity, it is possible to cover a wide portion of the mid-wave and/or long-wave spectral range with a single device. The fast wideband digitally controlled laser tuning technology described is applicable to other tunable laser including solid-state, diode, gas, and fiber lasers

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA614428

Entities

People

  • A. C. Samuels
  • B. Gregor
  • E. S. Roese
  • P. Vujkovic-cvijin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Antireflection Coatings
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Data Processing
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Diffraction
  • Graphical User Interface
  • Laser Resonators
  • Laser Spectroscopy
  • Lasers
  • Long-Wavelength Infrared Radiation
  • Modulation
  • Modulators
  • Optical Modulators
  • Quantum Cascade Lasers
  • Spectroscopy

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Integrated Circuit Design and Technology.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Quantum Computing