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    Multiple lobes in the far-field distribution of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers due to self-interference
    (New York : American Institute of Physics, 2016) Röben, B.; Wienold, M.; Schrottke, L.; Grahn, H.T.
    The far-field distribution of the emission intensity of terahertz (THz) quantumcascade lasers (QCLs) frequently exhibits multiple lobes instead of a single-lobed Gaussian distribution. We show that such multiple lobes can result from selfinterference related to the typically large beam divergence of THz QCLs and the presence of an inevitable cryogenic operation environment including optical windows. We develop a quantitative model to reproduce the multiple lobes. We also demonstrate how a single-lobed far-field distribution can be achieved.
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    On the relationship between SiF4plasma species and sample properties in ultra low-k etching processes
    (New York, NY : American Inst. of Physics, 2020) Haase, Micha; Melzer, Marcel; Lang, Norbert; Ecke, Ramona; Zimmermann, Sven; van Helden, Jean-Pierre H.; Schulz, Stefan E.
    The temporal behavior of the molecular etching product SiF4 in fluorocarbon-based plasmas used for the dry etching of ultra low-k (ULK) materials has been brought into connection with the polymer deposition on the surface during plasma treatment within the scope of this work. For this purpose, time-resolved measurements of the density of SiF4 have been performed by quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy. A quantification of the non-linear time dependence was achieved by its characterization via a time constant of the decreasing SiF4 density over the process time. The time constant predicts how fast the stationary SiF4 density is reached. The higher the time constant is, the thicker the polymer film on top of the treated ultra low-k surface. A correlation between the time constant and the ULK damage was also found. ULK damage and polymer deposition were proven by Variable Angle Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. In summary, the observed decay of the etching product concentration over process time is caused by the suppressed desorption of the SiF4 molecules due to a more dominant adsorption of polymers. © 2020 Author(s).
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    Continuous tuning of two-section, single-mode terahertz quantum-cascade lasers by fiber-coupled, near-infrared illumination
    (New York : American Institute of Physics, 2017) Hempel, Martin; Röben, Benjamin; Niehle, Michael; Schrottke, Lutz; Trampert, Achim; Grahn, Holger T.
    The dynamical tuning due to rear facet illumination of single-mode, terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) which employ distributed feedback gratings are compared to the tuning of single-mode QCLs based on two-section cavities. The THz QCLs under investigation emit in the range of 3 to 4.7 THz. The tuning is achieved by illuminating the rear facet of the QCL with a fiber-coupled light source emitting at 777 nm. Tuning ranges of 5.0 and 11.9 GHz under continuous-wave and pulsed operation, respectively, are demonstrated for a single-mode, two-section cavity QCL emitting at about 3.1 THz, which exhibits a side-mode suppression ratio better than -25 dB.
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    Long-term stability of GaAs/AlAs terahertz quantum-cascade lasers
    (New York, NY : American Inst. of Physics, 2022) Schrottke, L.; Lü, X.; Biermann, K.; Gellie, P.; Grahn, H.T.
    We have investigated high-performance GaAs/AlAs terahertz (THz) quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) with respect to the long-term stability of their operating parameters. The output power of lasers that contain an additional, thick AlAs refractive-index contrast layer underneath the cascade structure decreases after three months by about 35%. The deterioration of these lasers is attributed to the oxidation processes in this contrast layer starting from the facets. However, GaAs/AlAs THz QCLs with an Al0.9Ga0.1As refractive-index contrast layer exhibit long-term stability of the operating parameters over many years even when they are exposed to atmospheric conditions. Therefore, these lasers are promising high-power radiation sources in the terahertz spectral region for commercial applications.