EMISSIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MESA-STRIPE LASERS (LAMBDA=3.0-3.6-MU-M) MADE FROM INGAASSB INASSBP DOUBLE HETEROSTRUCTURES/

The directional patterns, current-voltage characteristics, and spectra l characteristics of mesa-stripe lasers with InGaAsSb active layers, e mitting at lambda = 3.0-3.6 mu m (77 K) and having threshold currents greater than or equal to 15 mA (j(th) greater than or equal to 200 A/c m(2)), are investigated. The maximum output power is 1.4 mW (lambda si milar to 3.3 mu m), the differential quantum efficiency similar to 3 % (tau = 5-30 mu s, f = 500 Hz) for lasing in a longitudinal mode with beam divergences Delta Theta(parallel to) similar to 15 degrees and De lta Theta(perpendicular to) similar to 30 degrees. The relationship of the differential quantum efficiency to the order of the spatial mode of the lasing is demonstrated. A single-mode, current-tunable (-30 cm( -1)/A) laser is used to measure the transmission of methane in the reg ion of the nu(3) absorption band. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physi cs. [S1063-7850(98)02406-9].