High-temperature continuous-wave operation of low power consumption single-mode distributed-feedback quantum-cascade lasers at λ ∼ 5.2 μm

Continuous-wave operation of a distributed-feedback quantum-cascade laser in a packaged module is demonstrated up to a heat sink temperature of 80 degrees C with an output power of greater than 10 mW and a power consumption of less than 3.8 W. Single longitudinal mode emission near 5.24 mu m is observed over a temperature range from 10 to 80 degrees C with a side mode suppression ratio greater than 20 dB limited by the instrumentation. A single spatial mode is determined with far-field pattern measurement. The above performance is achieved using a buried heterostructure and a small cavity of 7.6 mu m x 1.5 mm. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3216074]