2-2.7μm single frequency tunable Sb-based lasers operating in CW at RT: microcavity and external cavity VCSELs, DFB

DFB lasers, microcavity and External-cavity VCSELs exhibit narrow single-frequency operation and wide mode-hop-free tuning range, especially well adapted for gas spectroscopy application in the 2-2.7μm window. We will present a review of the results achieved and a systematic comparison, with such Sb-based lasers emitting near 2.3μm. These sources operate in CW above 300K, with up to 5mW output power in a single transverse mode and linear light polarization. Diode-pumped V(E)CSELs and electrically-pumped DFB lasers were designed, grown, processed, and the spectral, spatial, thermal properties characterized. These sources are now being applied in high sensitivity spectroscopy instruments for in-situ measurements.