Quantum well lasers are a type of semiconductor laser that utilize quantum wells to confine charge carriers and photons, which enhances their efficiency. The efficiency of these lasers can be attributed to several factors, including the reduced threshold current, improved gain characteristics, and better thermal management. Due to the quantum confinement effect, the energy levels of electrons and holes are quantized, which leads to a higher probability of radiative recombination. This results in a lower threshold current and a higher output power . The efficiency can be mathematically expressed as the ratio of the output power to the input electrical power:
where is the efficiency, is the optical output power, and is the electrical input power. Improved design and materials for quantum well structures can further enhance efficiency, making them a popular choice in applications such as telecommunications and laser diodes.
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