Development of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures for electron-beam pumped UV lasers

There is a strong demand for UV lasers for applications in industry, medical and biochemical domains. These functionalities are currently covered at fixed wavelengths by gas lasers or lasers based on frequency conversion. Here, we present the design and fabrication of electron-beam pumped lasers based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructures to ensure wavelength tunability from UVA to UVC domains. Multi-Quantum-Well SCHs and GRINSCHs were designed for 7-10 kV electron beam pumping using Monte Carlo simulations. Laser cavities were optically characterized and lasing was achieved using a 266 nm Nd:YAG laser, with thresholds as low as 25 kW/cm2.