Theoretical performance of mid-infrared broken-gap multilayer superlattice lasers

Abstract

We present calculations of the differential gain and threshold current densities for a 3.7 μm multiple quantum well structure consisting of a “well” composed of several periods of an InAs/InGaSb superlattice alternating with a quinternary alloy “barrier.” We find serious limitations to the optical properties of active regions composed of these multiple quantum wells, and propose a four-layer superlattice structure which corrects these problems.