Electroluminescence at (4.3 THz) is reported from interminiband transitions in quantum-cascade structures with superlattice active regions. Spontaneous emission gives a low-temperature linewidth of 2 meV (0.48 THz) with linear light–current characteristics observed up to high-current densities resulting in record output powers of 500 pW. Devices operate up to above liquid-nitrogen temperature, with both emission wavelength and current–voltage characteristics in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
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The optical output power was calculated using the responsitivity of the bolometer as calibrated against blackbody radiation by the manufacturer (QMC Instruments). The transmission of the polyethylene window was measured to be 0.62 at the wavelength of interest.
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