Optical Switching of a Quantum Cascade Laser in Continuous Wave Operation

We demonstrate an optical switching in a middle infrared continuous-wave quantum cascade laser operated in single mode by illuminating its front facet with a near infrared laser. A decrease in the laser net gain is observed in the amplified spontaneous emission spectrum. This is attributed to an increase of the carrier concentration caused by the near infrared excitation. The net gain reduction allows the quantum cascade laser to be completely switched off from single mode lasing. This optical switching can be used to convert near infrared signals into middle infrared signals for free space communication.