Power, efficiency, and thermal characteristics of type-II interband cascade lasers

High-performance mid-infrared type-II interband cascade lasers have been de monstrated under continuous-wave (CW) conditions with record-high wall-plug efficiencies (>14%) and output powers (>100 mW/facet) above 77 K, Device c haracteristics of these type-II interband cascade lasers are investigated s ystematically in terms of their output powers and efficiencies. Also, by co mparing the temperature dependence of the threshold currents under pulsed a nd CW conditions, the thermal resistance and maximum heat sink temperature for CW operation are estimated for several mesa sizes. The limiting factors due to device heating for high-power/high-efficiency operation are identif ied and discussed in connection with device dimensions and packaging for th e purpose of assessing further improvements.