One of the primary considerations in lasers and detectors for infrared is the operating temperature and its effect on device performance. Several research areas are converging on the problem to cooperatively propel devices operating in the infrared to new levels. The fabrication of devices is advancing by better understanding of defects, and growth of the materials and structures is better able to control the desired crystallinity and composition. Also, the active region of the device may be shielded from the heat and phonon generation processes can be reduced by appropriate design of the structures and selection of materials. Furthermore, typically bulky coolers can be miniaturized and integrated with the device during the fabrication process. Each of these areas are being pursued with the expectation that some of the alternatives down each path will be mutually beneficial toward the goal of catapulting laser operating temperatures, and detection of weak infrared signals at longer wavelength in smaller packages. Better device fabrication and integrated cooling, both in device structure and added integrated coolers, should contribute to the proliferation and benefits of infrared lasers and detectors.
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