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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/N21888/01
Title: GAINP/ALGAINP QUANTUM DOT LASERS
Principal Investigator: Smowton, Professor PM
Other Investigators:
Blood, Professor P
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: School of Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: Cardiff University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 12 February 2001 Ends: 11 August 2004 Value (£): 170,382
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Optoelect. Devices & Circuits
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
GR/N23516/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The aim of the project is to develop short wavelength quantum dot lasers for operation at the technologically important wavelengths in the red part of the spectrum. This will make use of a new quantum dot material system of GaInP growth in AlGaInP. A complementary aim is to gain further insight into the physics of low-dimensional solids as applied to seminconductor lasers and to produce a detailed model of GaInP/AlGaInP quantum dot lasers to allow design optimisation for future applications.Although conventional quantum well lasers operating between 690and 630nm have many applications (including optical information storage, plastic fibre communications and photodynamic therapy), their use is restricted by high threshold current, large temperature sensitivity and small differential gain. Although progress has been made by careful optimisation of device designs the prospect of using quantum dot structures in the GaInP material system, suggested by recent work in Cardiff, offers an opportunity to attachk these limitations at a more fundamental level. Material grown by the Stranski-Krastinov process also extends the upper wavelength limit beyond that obtainable with GaInP quantum wells. This larger range encompasses wavelengths of interest for photodynamic therapy that lie between those currently available using GaInP (<690nm) and GaAs (>740nm).
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cf.ac.uk