InAs-Based Mid-Infrared Interband Cascade Lasers Near 5.3 $\mu{\rm m}$

InAs-based interband cascade (IC) lasers with dielectric-metal hybrid top cladding layers were demonstrated at emission wavelengths near 5.3 μm for temperatures up to 248 K in continuous wave mode and 300 K in pulsed mode. Preliminary experimental results showed that these hybrid waveguide IC lasers had slightly better device performances in terms of operating temperature, compared to IC lasers with InAs plasmon cladding layers on both sides. The threshold current densities of these IC lasers were as low as 12 A/cm
²
with voltage efficiency above 96% at 80 K. The output power of these IC lasers reached 120 mW/facet and a power efficiency of 21% was obtained at 80 K.