Reversible switching of quantum cascade laser-modes using a pH-responsive polymeric cladding as transducer

Basnar, B.; Schartner, S.; Austerer, M.; Andrews, A. M.; Roch, T.; Schrenk, W.; Strasser, G.

doi:10.1364/oe.16.008557

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…The high crystallinity and controlled crystallographic orientation of organic 1D architectures can improve the photon-crystal lattice binding interactions, resulting in exquisite selectivity, superior sensitivity, and short response/recovery time for the implementation of vapor sensing component. [27][28][29] Meanwhile, single-crystalline organic 1D architectures possess low optical loss, high photoluminescence efficiency, and small mode volume, thereby bringing fundamental capabilities to the achievement of lasing amplification. [30][31][32] By coupling the merits of organic stimulusresponsive molecules and highly-crystalline 1D architectures, the signal response of the external vapor stimulus and lasing gain can be combined by one device.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multifunctional Organic Single‐Crystalline Microwire Arrays toward Optical Applications

Geng

Zhao

et al. 2022

Adv Funct Materials

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Single-crystalline micro-/nanostructures based on organic stimulus-responsive materials have attracted wide interests for their unique functional roles in various photonic applications including optical wave guiding, optical vapor sensing, and miniaturized lasing. Yet one imminent challenge is to pattern micro-/nanostructured organic 1D arrays with controlled geometry, precise alignment, and pure crystallographic orientation owing to the uncontrollable dewetting dynamics in the solution processes. Herein, a smart assembly method is employed to regulate a confined crystallization of organic molecules. Sensitive, stable, and reproducible optical 1D-array vapor sensors can detect the alkaline and acidic vapors based on the proton transfer process. As-fabricated vapor sensors based on organic 1D arrays also selectively identify four similar amine vapors. Meanwhile, based on these 1D microstructure arrays, high-performing Fabry-Pérot resonators with deep-red laser emission, a low lasing threshold of 0.31 µJ, and high quality factor Q (≈2243) are realized. Owing to these multiple functions, organic microwire arrays not only provide intrinsic insight into optical vapor sensing but also offer guidance for the development of miniaturized lasers with specific functionalities, which show considerable potential in multifunctional photonic integrated circuits.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multifunctional Organic Single‐Crystalline Microwire Arrays toward Optical Applications

Geng

Zhao

et al. 2022

Adv Funct Materials

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“…An additional sensing method is based on chemically sensitive layers that change their optical properties if the environment is changed. This can be exploited by using a pH sensitive layer, which induces an emission wavelength shift of a QCL [26]. However, all of these chip-scale sensing concepts were demonstrated with external optics and detectors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Monolithically Integrated Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser and Detector

Schwarz

Reininger

Detz

et al. 2013

Sensors

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Abstract:We demonstrate the monolithic integration of a mid-infrared laser and detector utilizing a bi-functional quantum cascade active region. When biased, this active region provides optical gain, while it can be used as a detector at zero bias. With our novel approach we can measure the light intensity of the laser on the same chip without the need of external lenses or detectors. Based on a bound-to-continuum design, the bi-functional active region has an inherent broad electro-luminescence spectrum of 200 cm −1 , which indicates its use for single mode laser arrays. We have measured a peak signal of 191.5 mV at the on-chip detector, without any amplification. The room-temperature pulsed emission with an averaged power consumption of 4 mW and the high-speed detection makes these devices ideal for low-power sensors. The combination of the on-chip detection functionality, the broad emission spectrum and the low average power consumption indicates the potential of our bi-functional quantum cascade structures to build a mid-infrared lab-on-a-chip based on quantum cascade laser technology.

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“…In the so called "fingerprint" region (3-20μm) most molecules have their resonances, that can be observed by optical absorption or a change of the refractive index of the chemical substance. Many chip-scale sensing concepts have been demonstrated utilizing quantum cascade lasers [1][2][3]. However, all of these concepts have been demonstrated with external optics and detectors.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards mid-infrared on-chip sensing utilizing a bi-functional quantum cascade laser/detector

Schwarz

Reininger

Baumgärtner

et al. 2013

2013 Conference on Lasers &Amp; Electro-Optics Europe &Amp; International Quantum Electronics Conference CLEO EUROPE/IQEC

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The miniaturization of spectroscopic setups is a fascinating research topic, gaining momentum during the last couple of years. Quantum cascade lasers are known as one of the most important and influential sources in the mid-infrared region. In the so called "fingerprint" region (3-20μm) most molecules have their resonances, that can be observed by optical absorption or a change of the refractive index of the chemical substance. Many chip-scale sensing concepts have been demonstrated utilizing quantum cascade lasers [1][2][3]. However, all of these concepts have been demonstrated with external optics and detectors.Our recently demonstrated bi-functional quantum cascade laser/detector (QCLD) [4] opens up a novel approach for monolithically integrated chemical and biological sensors. Simply by changing the applied bias, the structure switches between lasing (58kV/cm) and detection (0kV/cm). We have shown that it is possible to match the wavelength of the laser and the detector by a spectial design approach to decrease the intrinsic Stark-shift. In the QCLD the laser injector also acts as an efficient phonon-ladder extractor at zero bias. As the design is rather complicated, we have developed an optimizer based on a semi-classical Monte-Carlo transport simulator. With this simulator we are able to calculate gain/absorption, as well as the responsivity. By considering non-parabolic in-plane masses in the transport calculation, we can observe the temperature shift of the responsivity, which has to be considered to match the wavelength of the laser and the detector at room-temperature. 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 0 5 10 15 20 norm. opt. Power Current Density [kA/cm 2 ]T=300K on-chip ext. DTGS Fig. 1 Sketch of a monolithically integrated sensor utilizing our bi-functional QCLS (left). Optical power of the laser measured with the on-chip detector at the back facet and with an external DTGS with a lens at the front facet. We have observed a peak detector signal of 191.5mV at room-temperature. The small difference is due to atmospheric absorption between the laser and the DTGS and due to the fact that the DTGS measures the average power of the pulse, where the fast on-chip QCD can observe the peak power. Fig. 1 (left) sketches a mid-infrared on-chip sensor based on our bi-functional QCLD. We have integrated a laser and a detector on the same chip, observing a peak detector signal of 191.5mV at room-temperature. The light power versus current density plot of the laser, comparing the on-chip detector with an external DTGS detector is shown in Fig 1. (right). By separating the contacts of the laser and the detector we were able to reduce the electric cross-talk below 2mV at laser threshold. The remaining part is mainly due to external measurement setup and can be eliminated by signal post processing. By eliminating the need of any external lens and detector, we move a significant step towards monolithic integrated mid-infrared sensors. The structure can be used as a mid-infrared sensor when combined with microfluidic channels or gas f...

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Reversible switching of quantum cascade laser-modes using a pH-responsive polymeric cladding as transducer

Cited by 7 publications

References 36 publications

Multifunctional Organic Single‐Crystalline Microwire Arrays toward Optical Applications

Multifunctional Organic Single‐Crystalline Microwire Arrays toward Optical Applications

Monolithically Integrated Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser and Detector

Towards mid-infrared on-chip sensing utilizing a bi-functional quantum cascade laser/detector

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