Theoretical performance of mid-infrared broken-gap multilayer superlattice lasers

We present calculations of the differential gain and threshold current densities for a 3.7 mu m multiple quantum well structure consisting of a ''well'' composed of several periods of an InAs/InGaSb superlattice alternating with a quinternary alloy ''barrier.'' We find serious limitations to the optical properties of active regions composed of these multiple quantum wells, and propose a four-layer superlattice structure which corrects these problems. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.