论文标题
双向量子级联环激光器中的单向模式选择
Unidirectional mode selection in bistable quantum cascade ring lasers
论文作者
论文摘要
理想的环谐振器的特征是游览波逆转模式，但实际上，只能在单向操作下实现行驶波，事实证明这是难以捉摸的。在这里，我们设计并制造了一个整体量子级联环激光器，该级级联环激光器耦合到活跃的波导，从而允许可靠，确定性和可控制的单向操作。通过主动波导的自发发射注射可以在环激光器的顺时针和逆时针状态之间进行动态切换，而电气输入的调制只有1.6％。我们表明，这种行为源于环形激光器的双态动力学的扰动。除了开关和双稳定性外，我们用于量子级联环激光器的新型耦合器设计还提供了一种有效的机制，可用于偶联和光检测。
Ideal ring resonators are characterized by travelling-wave counterpropagating modes, but in practice travelling waves can only be realized under unidirectional operation, which has proved elusive. Here, we have designed and fabricated a monolithic quantum cascade ring laser coupled to an active waveguide that allows for robust, deterministic and controllable unidirectional operation. Spontaneous emission injection through the active waveguide enables dynamical switching between the clockwise and counterclockwise states of the ring laser with as little as 1.6% modulation of the electrical input. We show that this behavior stems from a perturbation in the bistable dynamics of the ring laser. In addition to switching and bistability, our novel coupler design for quantum cascade ring lasers offers an efficient mechanism for outcoupling and light detection.
