Intersubband transitions in GaN-based quantum wells: a new materials platform for infrared device applications

Roberto Paiella; Kristina Driscoll; Yan Li; Yitao Liao; Anirban Bhattacharyya; Christos Thomidis; Lin Zhou; David J Smith; Theodore D Moustakas

doi:10.1117/12.861479

27 August 2010 Intersubband transitions in GaN-based quantum wells: a new materials platform for infrared device applications

Roberto Paiella, Kristina Driscoll, Yan Li, Yitao Liao, Anirban Bhattacharyya, Christos Thomidis, Lin Zhou, David J Smith, Theodore D Moustakas

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7808, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVIII; 780807 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.861479
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Due to their large conduction-band offsets, GaN/AlGaN quantum wells can accommodate intersubband transitions at record short wavelengths throughout the mid-infrared and into the near-infrared spectral regions. As a result, they are currently the subject of extensive research efforts aimed at extending the spectral reach and functionality of intersubband optoelectronic devices. Here we review our recent work in this area, based on GaN/AlGaN quantum-well samples grown by molecular beam epitaxy on sapphire substrates. In particular, we have investigated the intersubband absorption properties of a wide range of structures, including isolated and coupled quantum wells. Furthermore, we have developed a new class of ultrafast all-optical switching devices, based on intersubband cross-absorption saturation in GaN/AlGaN quantum-well waveguides operating at fiber-optic communication wavelengths. Strong self-phase modulation of ultrafast optical pulses has also been measured in these waveguides, revealing a large refractive-index nonlinearity which is related to the same intersubband carrier dynamics. Finally, we have demonstrated optically pumped intersubband light emission from GaN/AlN quantum wells resonantly excited with a pulsed OPO. The measured room-temperature output spectra are peaked near 2 μm, which represents a new record for the shortest intersubband emission wavelength from any quantum-well materials system.

Citation Download Citation

Roberto Paiella, Kristina Driscoll, Yan Li, Yitao Liao, Anirban Bhattacharyya, Christos Thomidis, Lin Zhou, David J Smith, and Theodore D Moustakas "Intersubband transitions in GaN-based quantum wells: a new materials platform for infrared device applications", Proc. SPIE 7808, Infrared Remote Sensing and Instrumentation XVIII, 780807 (27 August 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.861479

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available