High-power quantum-dot superluminescent tapered diode under CW operation

A high-power quantum-dot superluminescent diode is demonstrated under continuous-wave operation, with an output power of 137.5 mW and a corresponding spectral bandwidth of 21 nm. This represents not only the highest output power, but also a record-high power spectral density of 6.5 mW/nm for a CW-operated superluminescent diode in the 1.1 - 1.3 μm spectral region, marking more than a 6-fold increase with respect to the state of the art. The two-section contact layout of the reported device introduces additional degrees of freedom, which enable a wide tunability of the bandwidth and power depending on the desired application. A maximum bandwidth of 79 nm was recorded, with an output power of 1.4 mW. The high-power continuous-wave operation of this device would be particularly relevant for continuous, high-speed, high-sensitivity spectroscopy, imaging and sensing applications, as well as in optical communications.