InAs/InGaAs Quantum Dot Lasers on Multi-Functional Metamorphic Buffer Layers

Abstract

With the development of dry fiber over the past two decades, the E-band has become a new telecommunication wavelength. However, owing to material constraints, an effective high-performance semiconductor light source has not yet been realized. InAs quantum dot (QD) lasers on GaAs substrates are in the spotlight as O-band light sources because of their excellent thermal properties and high efficiency. The introduction of a very thick InGaAs metamorphic buffer layer is essential for realizing an E-band InAs QD laser, but it can cause degradation in laser performance. In this study, we fabricate an E-band InAs/GaAs QD laser on a GaAs substrate with an AlInGaAs multifunctional metamorphic buffer layer that realizes the function of the bottom cladding layer of normal thickness in addition to the functions of a metamorphic buffer layer and a dislocation filter layer. The lasing oscillation at a wavelength of 1428 nm is demonstrated at room temperature under continuous-wave operation. This result paves the way toward the realization of highly efficient light sources suitable for E-band telecommunications.