Semiconductor optical amplifier for laser devices, particularly of the quantum cascade type, and laser device comprising said optical amplifier

Abstract

A semiconductor optical amplifier for laser devices, particularly of the quantum cascade type, which is adapted to emit luminous radiation when subjected to an electric current and which comprises: a quantum well structure, composed of high bandgap layers alternated with low bandgap layers, which is interposed between a lower contact layer and an upper contact element; input electrical conduction elements and output electrical conduction elements which are configured to allow the flow of an electric current through the quantum well structure, and further comprising a silicon-on-insulator substrate which comprises an upper layer of crystalline silicon, such upper layer of silicon constituting the lower contact layer; the high bandgap layers are made of a material chosen among oxides and nitrides of the following materials: silicon (Si), titanium (T), aluminum (Al), hafnium (Hf), tantalum (Ta).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.