Terahertz pulse generation from quantum cascade lasers

Abstract

We demonstrate the generation of 11ps terahertz pulses from metal-metal (MM) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) at 77K via active mode-locking. Contrary to popular belief that a long gain recovery time is required, we demonstrate that the dominant factor necessary for active pulse generation is in fact the synchronization between the propagating electronic microwave modulation and the generated THz pulses in the QCL. This allows the THz pulse to propagate in phase with the microwave modulation along the gain medium, permitting pulse generation.