SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Significant progress has been made in recent years in improving the efficiency and output powers of quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) in the mid-wavelength infrared wavelength range. In order to increase the power output of these devices, and simultaneously reduce the thermal management needs, innovative pathways such as development of broad area vertical-cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) could be beneficial. Such a laser has the potential to create a high power device with broad surface area for efficient cooling. This architecture also works well for two-dimensional array power scaling and for beam combination methods. Forward Photonics proposes to continue the development of novel high power QC-laser surface emitting lasers and arrays in this proposal.
