HIGH-REPETITION-RATE FAR-INFRARED P-TYPE GERMANIUM HOT HOLE LASERS

We have studied the influence of high repetition rates, up to 300 Hz, on four pulsed p-type germanium lasers. The maximum electric input pow er which terminates laser action via heating is a characteristic value for each crystal. We show magnetic field sweeps and introduce a diagr am which connects the dynamical behavior of light and heavy holes to o ptical phonons and impurity states, We find that temperature is an ess ential key for the understanding of the laser action. High repetition rates or continuous wave operation may be achieved with proper design of the crystal and its cooling environment. (C) 1995 American Institut e of Physics.