Terahertz bound-to-continuum quantum-cascade lasers based on optical-phonon scattering extraction

A design for a terahertz quantum-cascade laser emitting at λ≃82μm is presented. A bound-to-continuum active region is coupled to an optical phonon extraction stage in order to improve the population inversion at high temperatures. Device performances in a double-metal waveguide reach 116K in pulsed operation and 53K in continuous wave. A detailed characterization of two waveguide configurations is also presented together with a comparison with previous bound-to-continuum design.