Abstract

Fiber optics communications has been the driving force for research on advanced semiconductor lasers based on InGaAsP-InP. Thus, single frequency and tunable lasers with good modulation properties have been developed. The normal wavelength range achievable in the InGaAsP-InP system is ca 1.2-1.67μm. However, using compressively strained quantum wells the wavelength range can be extended to ca 2μm. We have exploited this possibility, by modifications of telecommunications laser designs and processes, to fabricate very compact, rugged and potentially cheap application specific semiconductor lasers suitable for gas analysis. These lasers find applications in instrumentation for real-time industrial process control, smoke-stack emission and environmental monitoring etc. The technology has advantages such as a high sensitivity for many important gases, an unsurpassed selectivity, short response time, and is inherently explosion-proof.

© 1996 Optical Society of America