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We review recent advances in chemical sensing applications based on surface emitting ring quantum cascade lasers (QCLs). Such lasers can be implemented in monolithically integrated on-chip laser/detector devices forming compact gas sensors, which are based on direct absorption spectroscopy according to the Beer--Lambert law. Furthermore, we present experimental results on radio frequency modulation up to 150 MHz of surface emitting ring QCLs. This technique provides detailed insight into the modulation characteristics of such lasers. The gained knowledge facilitates the utilization of ring QCLs in combination with spectroscopic techniques, such as heterodyne phase-sensitive dispersion spectroscopy for gas detection and an [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report large current- and temperature-induced beam-steering effects, observed in the far-field distribution of InP-based quantum-cascade lasers emitting around 7.8-μm wave-length operated in pulsed mode. Changing the temperature within a narrow range of ∼ 10°C around room-temperature leads to a change in the direction of the output beam, as given by the central lobe in the far-field intensity distribution, from +11° to -13° as measured relative to the resonator axis. This beam steering effect is linked to changes in the lateral mode distribution, as revealed by time-resolved spectroscopy of the lasing spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mid-infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for in situ monitoring of various processes. Mesoporous silica, an extensively studied material, has already been applied in sensing schemes due to its high surface area and tunable surface chemistry. However, its poor chemical stability in aqueous solutions at pH values higher than 8 and strong absorption below 1250 cm−1 limits its range of applications. To circumvent these problems, a mesoporous zirconia coating on ATR crystals was developed. Herein, the synthesis, surface modification, and characterization of ordered mesoporous zirconia films on Si wafers and Si-ATR crystals are presented. The modified coating was applied in sensing schemes using aromatic and aliphatic nitriles in aqueous solution as organic pollutants. The mesoporous zirconia coating shows strong chemical resistance when kept in alkaline solution for 72 h. The success of surface modification is confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Benzonitrile and valeronitrile in water are used as model analytes to evaluate the enrichment performance of the film. The experimental results are fitted using Freundlich isotherms, and enrichment factors of 162 and 26 are calculated for 10 mg L−1 benzonitrile and 25 mg L−1 valeronitrile in water, respectively. Limits of detection of 1 mg L−1 for benzonitrile and 11 mg L−1 for valeronitrile are obtained. The high chemical stability of this coating allows application in diverse fields such as catalysis with the possibility of in situ monitoring using FT-IR spectroscopy. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the direct observation of four-wave mixing over a detuning range of more than 3 THz in an InGaAs/AlInAs strain-compensated quantum cascade laser (QCL) amplifier emitting at 4.3 μm by simultaneous injection of a single mode QCL and a broadly tunable source. From its intensity, we determine a χ(3) of 0.9 × 10-15 m2 V-2, in good agreement with transport model simulations based on the density matrix approach. This four-wave-mixing mechanism is an important driving factor in mode proliferation occurring in connection with the recent demonstration of comb generation in broadband QCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]