In the dynamic field of quantum photonics, our research explores the promising convergence with interband cascade lasers (ICLs), focusing on their applications in free-space communications and quantum photonics. The pressing need for space-to-ground high-speed transmission in the global broadband network development aligns seamlessly with the unique advantages of mid-infrared wavelengths. From minimal atmospheric attenuation to eye-safe operation and resilience against bad weather conditions, mid-infrared wavelengths are expected to provide a robust foundation for these systems. Our work shows that the utilization of interband cascade technology is very much promising for high-speed transmission at a wavelength of 4.2 μm. The low power consumption of both the laser and the detector, combined with a substantial modulation bandwidth and good output power, positions this technology as an ideal solution for free-space optical communications hence enabling multigigabit data rate operations. Concurrently, our research also explores the potential of harnessing squeezed light using high quantum efficiency ICLs. Through a stochastic model approach, we demonstrate that these midinfrared semiconductor devices can exhibit significant amplitude squeezing across a broad bandwidth of several gigahertz when powered by low-noise constant current sources. These collective efforts pave the way for accelerated advancements in mid-infrared ICLs, encompassing both quantum photonics and future free-space laser communication systems include novel quantum key distribution protocols.
The challenge of Unipolar Quantum Optoelectronics (UQO) is to bring reliable technology in the mid-infrared and terahertz domains with dozens of GHz bandwidth and room-temperature operation. The semiconductor devices based on this novel technology rely on two-dimensional electronic states localized in the conduction band, which implies that electrons are the only charge carriers involved. Though UQO technology has been proven useful for emission (quantum cascade lasers) and detection (quantum cascade detectors), it is still underdeveloped for other applications, like high-speed modulation. In this paper, we will review our recent results with a full transmission system UQO in the 8 to 14 µm atmospheric window, composed of a quantum cascade (QC) laser, an external modulator and a QC detector, all optimized for operation at 33 THz optical wavelength. Dynamics down to a few dozens of picoseconds are observed, which allow us demonstrating data rate transmission of 10 Gbps without any signal processing. In addition, the paper aims at discussing further applications of UQO in particular for radio over free-space. The basic principle for producing microwave carriers is based on an optical heterodyne beating technique taking advantage of the high-bandwidth potential of QC detectors. Then, the microwave signal is transmitted through a point-to-point wireless link by using radiofrequency antennas. With UQO, microwave signals of dozens of GHz can be achieved. To sum, this paper highlights the importance of using UQO devices operating at a few dozens of THz optical wavelength for both free-space optics and microwave photonics targeting 100 GHz radiofrequencies.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
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.