Combining external cavity quantum cascade lasers and MOEMS technology: An approach for miniaturization and fast wavelength scanning

Abstract

In order to realize a spectrally broad band and rapid tunable spectrometer in the MIR (3-12 μm wavelength range), we aim for the combination of a quantum cascade laser with a micro-opto-electro-mechanical scanning grating. The scanning grating consists of a very small diffraction grating oscillating at its resonance frequency. It serves as wavelength selective feedback to rapidly tune the quantum cascade laser. Composed together, both parts build an external cavity laser in Littrow-configuration. Thanks to the compactness of the micro-opto-electro-mechanical system, portable and cost effective spectrometers can be realized.