Emission spectra of terahertz quantum cascade laser

Abstract

We calculated energy levels, wave functions, and energies of radiative transitions in terahertz quantum cascade lasers based on GaAs/Al0.15Ga0.85As heterostructures. Current-voltage characteristics and current dependences of laser radiation intensity were measured, and the maximum operating temperatures reaching 85 K were determined. Radiation spectra of quantum cascade lasers were measured for different temperatures, and the effect of intensity “pumping” from lowfrequency modes to high-frequency modes was found to happen in the case of an increase in the current and time delay of the signal capture, which is explained by heating of the sample during a pulse of the current. Application of the lasers for registration of impurity photoconductivity signals in semiconductor heterostructures was demonstrated.