3,121 research outputs found
Exceeding the Manley-Rowe quantum efficiency limit in an optically pumped THz amplifier
Using a microscopic theory based on the Maxwell-semiconductor Bloch
equations, we investigate the possibility of an optically-assisted
electrically-driven THz quantum cascade laser. Whereas in optical conversion
schemes the power conversion efficiency is limited by the Manley-Rowe relation,
the proposed optically-assisted scheme can achieve higher efficiency by
coherently recovering the optical pump energy. Furthermore, due to quantum
coherence effects the detrimental effects of scattering are mitigated
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