Terahertz quantum-cascade vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser with high-contrast grating output coupler

M Mohammad Shahili (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) 1 , Los Angeles, California 90095,) C Christopher A. Curwen (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 2 , Pasadena, California 91109,) S Sadhvikas J. Addamane B Benjamin S. Williams (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) 1 , Los Angeles, California 90095,)

Abstract

We report a twofold increase in slope efficiency of a terahertz quantum-cascade vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser enabled by an all-dielectric high-contrast grating output coupler (OC). In contrast to a conventional metal-mesh OC on a quartz substrate, the dielectric grating eliminates losses associated with the metal. The device operates in pulsed and continuous-wave modes, with threshold current and maximum operating temperature comparable to those of the quartz-based OC. A circular beam pattern is maintained across the full tuning bandwidth.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 129, Issue 3
Published July 20, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (4)

M

Mohammad Shahili

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) 1 , Los Angeles, California 90095,

C

Christopher A. Curwen

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology 2 , Pasadena, California 91109,

S

Sadhvikas J. Addamane

B

Benjamin S. Williams

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) 1 , Los Angeles, California 90095,