Hot phonon effects and Auger recombination on 3 μm room temperature lasing in HgTe-based multiple quantum well diodes

Abstract

We propose an electrically pumped laser diode based on multiple HgTe quantum wells with band structure engineered for Auger recombination suppression. A model for accounting for hot phonons is developed for calculating the nonequilibrium temperature of electrons and holes. Using a comprehensive model accounting for carrier drift and diffusion, Auger recombination, and hot-phonon effects, we predict of lasing at λ ∽ 3 μm at room temperature in the 2.1 nm HgTe/Cd0.85Hg0.15Te quantum well heterostructure. The output power in the pulse can reach up to 600 mW for 100 nanosecond-duration pulses.