A far-infrared p-type germanium laser with active crystal prepared from ultra pure single-crystal Ge by neutron transmutation doping (NTD) is demonstrated. Calculations show that the high uniformity of Ga acceptor distribution achieved by NTD significantly improves average gain. The negative factor of stronger ionized impurity scattering due to high compensation in NTD Ge is shown to be unremarkable for the gain at moderate doping concentrations sufficient for laser operation. Experimentally, this first NTD laser is found to have lower current-density lasing threshold than the best of a number of melt-doped laser crystals studied for comparison.
A neutron transmutation doped (NTD) far-infrared p-Ge laser crystal and a melt-grown p-Ge laser are analyzed and compared. Though the doping level in the NTD active crystal is twice lower than optimal, the laser performance is comparable to that produced from high-quality melt-grown crystals because of superior dopant uniformity. Compensation was examined by comparing results of neutron activation analysis with majority carrier concentration. Study of impurity breakdown electric field reveals better crystal quality in NTD. The current saturation behavior confirms the expected higher doping uniformity over melt grown laser rods.
An etched silicon gold plated lamellar mirror is demonstrated as a fixed-wavelength intracavity selector for the far-infrared p-Ge laser, facilitating spectroscopic applications. The depth of the selective mirror, which defines the laser operation wavelength, can be precisely controlled during the etching process. The third-order Fabry-Perot resonance of this selector yields an active cavity finesse of at least 0.06.
Far-infrared p-Ge laser operation in an active crystal prepared by transmutation doping is demonstrated for the first time. Though saturated current density in the prepared active crystal is twice lower than optimal, the laser performance is comparable to that of good lasers made from commercially produced melt grown p-Ge. The current saturation behavior of this material confirms the expected higher doping uniformity over melt grown laser rods.
A thin two-side polished silicon etalon is demonstrated as a fixed-wavelength intracavity selector for the far-infrared p-Ge laser. The active cavity finesse is ~ 0.1. The wavelength position and spectral purity are maintained over a wide range of laser operating fields. A p-Ge laser with such a selector may find application in chemical sensing, THz imaging, or non-destructive testing.
New experimental results are presented for the far-infrared p-Ge laser that enhance its prospects for application to secure satellite and short-range terrestrial free-space communications on a THz carrier. An optical means of gain modulation has been discovered that may potentially permit far-IR pulse generation via active mode-locking with low drive power. A compact high-field permanent-magnet assembly is demonstrated for applying the magnetic field required for laser operation without need of liquid helium. Compact light-weight laser-excitation electronics have been designed to run off a low voltage direct current supply.
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