Theoretical investigations of [110] IV-VI lead salt edge-emitting lasers

Theoretical simulations on a new [110]-orientated IV-VI lead-salt midinfrared (IR) edge-emitting laser are performed in comparison with the conventional [100] orientated laser. The modal gain of quantum-well (QW) structure on [110] orientation is significantly higher than that on the [100] orientation. Light versus current (L-I) characteristics at different operation temperatures are simulated by solving the coupled rate equations. The maximum operation temperature of [110] laser is 70 degree higher than that of conventional [100] laser. To further improve the laser performance a new Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ clad laser structure is proposed to improve the heat dissipation. The effects of other parameters on the performance of the lasers, such as Auger recombination, Schockley-Read recombination, facet reflectivity and cavity length, are also investigated. The simulated results show that with optimized laser structure and modestly reduced Auger recombination [110] IV-VI lead-salt edge-emitting laser could produce output power of about 10 mW at room temperature.