Talbot coupling of an array of quantum cascade lasers

Abstract

Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) are semiconductor lasers based on ultrafast intersubband transitions with picosecond timescale that have become the most suitable laser sources from the mid-infrared to the THz range, due to their compactness, efficiency and high room temperature performances. In particular, high-power QCLs are powerful sources for optical countermeasures, including night vision blinding and missile out steering. This work investigates the nonlinear dynamical features of coupling of linear arrays of emitters in the so-called Talbot configuration for phase-locking operation using broad area emitters. These initial results are of paramount importance for creating future bright infrared sources with Watt-level power.