kvanttilaserille

Kvanttilaserille, sometimes referred to as a quantum cascade laser (QCL), is a semiconductor laser that emits light in the mid-infrared to far-infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike conventional semiconductor lasers which rely on the recombination of electrons and holes, quantum cascade lasers utilize intersubband transitions within a single type of charge carrier, typically electrons. This is achieved through the clever engineering of a superlattice structure composed of alternating thin layers of different semiconductor materials.

The laser light is generated as electrons cascade down a series of quantum wells, transitioning between energy subbands and emitting photons at each step. The wavelength of the emitted light is determined by the thickness of these layers and the material composition, allowing for precise tuning. This tunability makes QCLs highly versatile for a range of applications.

Quantum cascade lasers have found use in gas sensing and analysis due to their ability to detect specific molecular absorption lines in the infrared spectrum. They are employed in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics. Other applications include spectroscopy, free-space optical communication, and security screening. The development of QCLs has significantly advanced the capabilities of infrared laser technology.