Optically pumped Si emitting device for midinfrared band

Abstract

In this report, fundamentals, design, fabrication technology, and parameters are presented for contactless Si photonic emitter operated in the 3-5 um atmosphere transparency window at well above room temperature. To bypass the material band structure limitation, we utilized the above-bandgap light-induced free carrier thermal emission as a way to monitor the below-bandgap radiation that falls into 3 to 5 µm band (light down conversion). Two-facet external power conversion efficiency up to 5% is observed at T~500 K with further improvement to be expected. The device application to the IR dynamic scene simulation as well as it pros and cons in respect to thermal emitters and IR LEDs are also considered.