Temperature stable mid-infrared GaInAsSb/GaSb Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs).

GaInAsSb/GaSb based quantum well vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) operating in mid-infrared spectral range between 2 and 3 micrometres are of great importance for low cost gas monitoring applications. This paper discusses the efficiency and temperature sensitivity of the VCSELs emitting at 2.6 µm and the processes that must be controlled to provide temperature stable operation. We show that non-radiative Auger recombination dominates the threshold current and limits the device performance at room temperature. Critically, we demonstrate that the combined influence of non-radiative recombination and gain peak-cavity mode de-tuning determines the overall temperature sensitivity of the VCSELs. The results show that improved temperature stable operation around room temperature can only be achieved with a larger gain peak-cavity mode de-tuning, offsetting the significant effect of increasing non-radiative recombination with increasing temperature, a physical effect which must be accounted for in mid-infrared VCSEL design.

Temperature characteristics of surface micromachined MEMS-VCSEL with large tuning range.

Several Applications for tunable laser diodes have strict constraints in terms of overall power consumption. Furthermore, the implementation in harsh environments with large temperature fluctuations is necessary. Due to the constraint in power consumption, the application of active cooling might not be an option. For this reason we investigate the temperature characteristics of an electrically pumped MEMS-VCSEL with wide continuous wavelength tuning. For the first time, a mode hop free single mode (side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) > 40dB) tuning range of 45nm at 70°C is demonstrated with a MEMS-VCSEL. An increase of the tuning range from 85nm at 20°C to 92nm at 40°C is measured and explained. In contrast to fixed wavelength VCSEL, the investigated device shows a negative temperature induced wavelength shift of -4.5nmK(-1), which is caused by the MEMS-mirror. At 1560nm, the fibre-coupled optical output power is above 0.6mW over the entire temperature range between 20°C to 70°C and shows a maximum of > 3mW at 20°C.

Performance of a fire detector based on a compact laser spectroscopic carbon monoxide sensor.

In this paper we show the suitability of a miniaturized tunable diode laser spectroscopy (TDLS)-based carbon-monoxide (CO) sensor for fire detection applications. The sensor utilizes a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and inherent calibration scheme with reference gas filled in the photodetector housing. The fire-detection experiments are carried out under realistic conditions as described in the European standard EN54. The CO generation of all class C fires (according to EN54) could be well resolved. The cross-sensitivity to other substances was found to be very low: the maximum CO false response from cigarette smoke, hairspray and general aerosols reaches a low value of a few µL/L and only if the substance is directly applied into the sensor gas inlet. Therefore this sensor overcomes the disadvantage of high false alarm rate given by smoke detectors and is also in small size which is suitable for household and industrial applications. Hence, the VCSEL-based TDLS sensor is shown to have sufficient performance for fire-detection. It has advantages such as capability for fail-safe operation and, low cross-sensitivities as compared to existing point fire detector technology which is presently limited by these factors.

960-km SSMF transmission of 105.7-Gb/s PDM 3-PAM using directly modulated VCSELs and coherent detection.

We generate a 105.7-Gb/s signal by directly modulating a 1.5-µm VCSEL with a 33.35-Gbaud 3-level signal and polarization multiplexing. By using digital coherent detection, we successfully transmit the 105.7-Gb/s line rate (88.10 Gb/s net bit rate) signal over 960-km standard single-mode-fiber (SSMF) at a 20% hard-decision forward-error correction (FEC) threshold, which is at bit-error ratio (BER) of 1.5 x 10(-2)

High-power Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator in the positive dispersion regime.

We demonstrate a self-starting Kerr-lens mode-locked (KLM) Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator operating in the regime of positive intracavity group-delay dispersion (GDD). It delivers 1.7 ps pulses at an average power of 17 W and a repetition rate of 40 MHz. Dispersive mirrors compress the pulses to a duration of 190 fs (assuming sech2 shape; Fourier limit: 150 fs) at an average power level of 11 W. To our knowledge, this is the first KLM thin-disk oscillator with positive GDD. Output powers of up to 30 W were achieved with an increased output coupler transmission and intracavity GDD. We demonstrate increase of the pulse energy with increasing positive intracavity GDD, limited by difficulties in initiating mode-locking.

High-power 200 fs Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator.

We demonstrate a power-scalable Kerr-lens mode-locked Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator. It delivers 200 fs pulses at an average power of 17 W and a repetition rate of 40 MHz. At an increased (180 W) pump power level, the laser produces 270 fs 1.1 µJ pulses at an average power of 45 W (optical-to-optical efficiency of 25%). Semiconductor-saturable-absorber-mirror-assisted Kerr-lens mode locking (KLM) and pure KLM with a hard aperture show similar performance. To our knowledge, these are the shortest pulses achieved from a mode-locked Yb:YAG disk oscillator and this is the first demonstration of a Kerr-lens mode-locked thin-disk laser.

Comprehensive analysis of electrically-pumped GaSb-based VCSELs.

This paper discusses several performance-related aspects of electrically-pumped GaSb-based buried tunnel junction VCSELs with an emission wavelength of 2.6 µm based on theoretical and experimental results. These results allow a deeper insight into the internal device physics, such as radial diffusion of carriers, maximum continuous-wave operating temperature, diffraction loss, internal temperature, gain and loss parameters, internal quantum efficiency of the active region etc. These parameters can be taken into account while designing mid-infrared lasers which leads to an improved device performance. A simple thermal model of the devices based on the two-dimensional (2-D) finite element method using the material data from the literature is also presented. In addition, an application-based result utilizing these lasers for the measurement of absolute water vapor concentration by wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) method are also described, hinting that devices are well-suited for the targeted sensing applications.

Surface micromachined tunable 1.55 µm-VCSEL with 102 nm continuous single-mode tuning.

For the first time a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with a single-mode wavelength-tuning over 102 nm in the range of 1550 nm is demonstrated. The fiber-coupled optical output power has a maximum of 3.5 mW and is > 2 mW over the entire tuning range. The sidemode suppression ratios are > 45 dB. The wavelength tuning is achieved with the micro-electro mechanical actuation of a mirror membrane fabricated with surface micro-machining for on-wafer mass production. The mirror membrane consists of low cost dielectric materials (SiOx/SiNy) deposited with low temperature (< 100°C) Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD).

Femtosecond formation of coupled phonon-plasmon modes in InP: Ultrabroadband THz experiment and quantum kinetic theory.

The ultrafast transition of an optical phonon resonance to a coupled phonon-plasmon system is studied. After 10-fs photoexcitation of i-InP, the buildup of coherent beats of the emerging hybrid modes is directly monitored via ultrabroadband THz spectroscopy. The anticrossing is mapped out as a function of time and density. A quantum kinetic theory of microscopic carrier-carrier and carrier-LO-phonon interactions explains the delayed formation of the collective modes. The buildup time is quantitatively reproduced to scale with the oscillation cycle of the upper branch of the coupled resonance.

Cultivating effectiveness in your organization.

To be truly effective, the occupational and environmental health nurse must possess skills as both a manager and a leader. Effective management results in programs and projects that are likely to be successful, achieve established goals, and meet expectations of the intended recipients. Effective leadership results in individuals who feel valued for their opinions, empowered to act independently, and accountable for setting and achieving personal goals. When these individuals come together to form teams, they create an organization in which the group benefits from the commitment and mutual desire to work toward a shared mission and vision. The nursing process provides an excellent framework for the occupational and environmental health nurse to approach the tasks associated with leading and managing in a rapidly changing, challenging environment. Techniques to be employed are those acquired in formal management training programs and those passed down from experienced mentors. It is incumbent on all occupational and environmental health nurse managers to perfect and use leadership and management skills to positively contribute to organizational effectiveness and, ultimately, employee health and well being.

Information management. Computer resources for the occupational and environmental health nurse.

Occupational and environmental health nurses are responsible for the management of large amounts of very complex information, ranging from individual employee health records to reports that insure corporate compliance. There are four primary tools available to the occupational health nurse to facilitate efficient management and use of health information--occupational health information systems, office support programs, communication systems, and the Internet and intranets. Selection and implementation of an integrated health information system requires the involvement of any organization that uses data processed by the system. A project management approach to implementation and maintenance of a system insures adherence to time lines and attention to details. The internet provides access to a vast amount of information useful to both the occupational health professional and the employee. Intranets are internal systems that may facilitate distribution of health information to employees, maintenance of current health related policies, and more efficient reporting procedures.