Long-term operational testing of quantum cascade lasers

Tanya L. Myers, Bret D. Cannon, Carolyn S. Brauer, Mark C. Phillips, Matthew S. Taubman, Bruce E. Bernacki

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of long-term operational testing of several quantum cascade laser (QCL) variants to illustrate their robustness and long lifetimes. Performance factors are investigated including power and spectral stability over different timescales ranging from days to years. The effects of burn-in, packaging, mounting, and facet coatings are considered with respect to their influence on long-term laser performance. In addition, the results from the several years' operation of a custom external cavity quantum cascade laser-based trace gas sensor are presented to highlight the reliable performance of QCL-based sensor systems. This sensor monitored the laboratory air for multiple chemicals and operated continuously for two years without any evidence of degradation in performance. The data from all of these experiments will be discussed to demonstrate the reliability and robust performance of QCLs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VIII
EditorsThomas George, Achyut K. Dutta, M. Saif Islam
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510600775
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Externally publishedYes
EventMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VIII Conference - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Apr 17 2016Apr 21 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9836
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherMicro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VIII Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period4/17/164/21/16

Keywords

  • Laser-based sensors
  • Lifetime
  • Power stability
  • Quantum cascade lasers
  • Spectral stability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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