Growth of quantum cascade lasers based on strain-compensated InxGa1-xAs/InyAl1-yAs and operating at a wavelength shorter than 4 mu m is reported, Pulsed mode operation of these lasers up to T=280 K is reported with a high T-0. Continuous wave powers as high as 120 mW are reported at cryogenic temperatures (15 K). (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.