Abstract
The terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) [1] possesses great potential in a whole host of applications including spectroscopy, imaging, astrophysics and sensing, in a frequency range that has been traditionally challenging to explore. QCLs are both compact and robust, exhibiting high power emission with a frequency and bandwidth which can be tailored by suitable design. In particular, the double metal (MM) QCL waveguide has proven superior temperature performance compared to the single plasmon waveguide, and as such lends itself to use within experimental architectures designed with real-world applications in mind. However, the primary drawback of the MM waveguide is the highly divergent, multi-lobed emission pattern, which results from the high degree of sub-wavelength mode confinement. This in turn limits device applicability where beam quality is of primary concern, as well as limiting power delivery over even moderate distances (10s mm), and as such is a major barrier to be overcome in the drive towards practical applications.
© 2015 IEEE
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