Optically pumped 5 μm IV-VI VECSEL with Al-heat spreader

Mid-infrared vertical external cavity surface emitting lasers (VECSELs) for 5 microm in wavelength have been realized. The active parts are of a simple structure, either a 2 microm thick PbTe gain layer or two 150 nm PbTe layers embedded in Pb(1-x)Eu(x)Te barriers. Epitaxial 2.5 pair Pb(1-y)Eu(y)Te/BaF(2) Bragg mirrors are employed to form the cavity, and an Al layer is deposited for improved heat dissipation. Emission up to 300 mW(p) is observed with microsecond pulses or 3 mW cw at 100 K is obtained. Quantum efficiency is up to 14%, and lasing occurs up to 175 K when pumped with a 1.55 microm wavelength pump laser.