Abstract
Using a microscopic theory based on the Maxwell-semiconductor Bloch equations, we investigate the feasibility of an optically pumped electrically driven terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade laser as a pathway to room-temperature THz generation. In optical conversion schemes the power conversion efficiency is limited by the Manley-Rowe relation. We circumvent this constraint by incorporating an electrical bias in a four level intersubband scheme, thereby allowing coherent recovery of the optical pump energy. The observed THz radiation is generated through both stimulated emission and automatically phase-matched quantum coherence contributionsâ"making the proposed approach both a promising source for THz radiation and a model system for quantum coherence effects such as lasing without inversion and electromagnetically induced transparency.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 117401 |
Journal | Physical Review Letters |
Volume | 99 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 14 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Physics and Astronomy