# Picosecond pulses from a mid-infrared interband cascade laser

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the generation of picosecond mid-infrared pulses from interband cascade lasers using active mode-locking, showing tunable pulse durations down to 3.2 ps for spectroscopic applications.

## Contribution

It provides conclusive experimental evidence for picosecond pulse generation in ICLs via active mode-locking, a significant advancement for mid-infrared laser technology.

## Key findings

- Generation of 3.2 ps pulses achieved
- Chirp can be minimized through tuning
- Mode-locking enables short pulse production

## Abstract

The generation of mid-infrared pulses in monolithic and electrically pumped devices is of great interest for mobile spectroscopic instruments. The gain dynamics of interband cascade lasers (ICL) are promising for mode-locked operation at low threshold currents. Here, we present conclusive evidence for the generation of picosecond pulses in ICLs via active mode-locking. At small modulation power, the ICL operates in a linearly chirped frequency comb regime characterized by strong frequency modulation. Upon increasing the modulation amplitude, the chirp decreases until broad pulses are formed. Careful tuning of the modulation frequency minimizes the remaining chirp and leads to the generation of 3.2 ps pulses.