Quantum Confined Indium-Rich Cluster Lasers with Polarized Dual-Wavelength Output

A kind of new quantum confined indium (In)-rich cluster (IRC) laser with polarized dual-wavelength output is first proposed and realized. Unlike conventional quantum well/dot lasers, its optical characteristics depend on the special IRC effect-formed quantum confined structure, in which the asymmetric distribution and various sizes of IRCs are generated due to high strains in the indium-based material system. It may lead to a special band structure suitable for synchronous dual-wavelength lasing generation. The mechanism of the laser operation is associated with independent carrier transitions and stimulated emissions from multiple local indium-based active regions, which have various areas and different indium contents due to the IRC effect. The sample uses InGaAs/GaAs/GaAsP as the kernel of lasing medium with the edge-emitting configuration, both facets of which are used as cavity mirrors. The experiment exhibits synchronous dual wavelengths of lasing at 970 and 980 nm in transverse electric (TE) polarization, with a total slope efficiency of 34.6% at a room temperature of 300 K. The result is of great significance in the development of new types of monolithic quantum confined lasers with dual-wavelength and polarization output.