Room-temperature short-wavelength (Lambda about 3.7-3.9 µm) GaInAs/AlAsSb quantum-cascade lasers

We discuss the possible limitations on realizing short-wavelength GaInAs/AlAsSb quantum-cascade lasers and consequently demonstrate room-temperature (T(ind max) = 310 K) short-wavelength (lambda about 3.7-3.9 µm) GaInAs/AlAsSb quantum-cascade lasers based on triple-well vertical-transition active regions. For a device with the size of 14 µmx3.0 mm with as-cleaved facets, the maximum peak powers per facet are around 31 mW at 300 K and 17 mW at 310 K. The characteristic temperature of the laser is 170 K in the temperature range between 220 and 310 K.