Recent developments in high-power, short-wave mid-infrared semiconductor disk lasers

Many applications exist for high performance lasers in the short-wave, mid-infrared spectral regime between 1.9 and 2.5 mu m - from long-range communications systems through to remote atmospheric gas sensing and pollution monitoring. However, a simple, efficient laser source offering the desired performance characteristics and flexibility has not been available. In the last few years considerable progress has been made in the development of optically-pumped (AlGaIn)(AsSb) quantum well semiconductor disk lasers emitting in the 2.X mu m mid-infrared spectral region continuous-wave and pulsed-pumped output power levels now exceed 6W and 16W respectively. Furthermore, single-frequency operation with linewidths <4MHz and broad tunability of up to 170nm have also been demonstrated, all at near-diffraction-limited beam quality. Such performance metrics are only possible through the very best materials growth, a sound understanding of the design principles of these highly multi-layered devices and, importantly, the application of effective thermal management.