Claire F. Gmachl Research Group

Princeton University

How can compact mid-infrared lasers be engineered to detect trace gases and biomarkers for environmental and health monitoring? The group develops high-performance quantum cascade lasers with innovative cavity and active-region designs that expand output power, spectral coverage, and tunability. Researchers design and fabricate novel semiconductor devices and semiconductor metamaterials to tailor emission properties and enhance detector selectivity in the mid-infrared. Experimental projects use optical emission spectroscopy and other characterization methods to quantify ion concentrations and validate device performance in sensing applications. By integrating lasers, materials engineering, and detection systems the group targets mid-infrared sensing applications in environment, health, and security contexts.