Analysis of High Performing Terahertz Quantum Cascade Lasers

TL;DR

This paper presents detailed simulations of high-performing Terahertz quantum cascade lasers, identifying key factors affecting temperature performance and proposing methods to improve their operational temperature.

Contribution

The study introduces a simulation approach using EZ states to analyze current injection, leading to insights on enhancing maximum operating temperatures.

Findings

Maximal operation temperature around 265 Kelvin achieved.

Occupation of parasitic levels limits temperature performance.

EZ states effectively model current injection in simulations.

Abstract

Detailed simulations for Terahertz quantum cascade lasers based on two-well designs are presented. We reproduce the maximal operation temperatures observed and attribute the degradation with temperature to the occupation of parasitic levels and thermal backfilling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the current injection can be conveniently studied by using EZ states, which combine energy selectivity and spatial localisation. Improving the injection allows to achieve higher maximal operation temperatures around 265 Kelvin.