Multiscale Quantum Bio-imaging and spectroscopy

Part of EU Open Research Repository
Published August 25, 2025 | Version v1
Journal article Open

Shot-noise-limited emission from interband and quantum cascade lasers

Authors/Creators

  • 1. ROR icon Istituto Nazionale di Ottica
  • 2. ROR icon TU Wien
  • 3. EDMO icon ETH Zürich
  • 4. ROR icon ETH Zurich
  • 5. ROR icon Nanoplus (Germany)
  • 6. EDMO icon University Würzburg
  • 7. ROR icon Hamamatsu Photonics (Japan)
  • 8. ROR icon Silicon Austria Labs (Austria)
  • 9. CNR Istituto Nazionale di Ottica
  • 10. CNR-INO Istituto Nazionale di Ottica
  • 11. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

Description

Abstract: The intensity noise of a laser source represents one of the key factors limiting the ultimate sensitivity in laser-based systems for sensing and telecommunication. For advanced applications based on interferometry, the availability of a shot-noise-limited local oscillator is even more important for the effective feasibility of high-precision measurements. This is particularly crucial in quantum optics applications based on homodyne detection schemes to measure non-classical light states, such as squeezed states. This work deeply investigates and analyzes the intensity noise features of the most widely used mid-infrared semiconductor heterostructured lasers: quantum cascade and interband cascade lasers. For this purpose, a comprehensive comparison of three different continuous-wave lasers operating at room temperature around 4.5 µm wavelength is presented. First, a thorough electro-optical characterization is given, highlighting the differences and the shared common characteristics of the tested devices. Then, a detailed intensity noise analysis is reported, identifying their different noise operations with a particular reference to shot-noise-limited operations. Finally, some perspectives towards advanced applications are discussed. 

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
MUQUABIS - Multiscale quantum bio-imaging and spectroscopy 101070546
UK Research and Innovation
Fundamental physical metrology with cold molecules (COMOMET) 10130794
Ministero dell'università e della ricerca
I-PHOQS Infrastructure IR0000016, ID D2B8D520, CUP B53C22001750006