long wavelength Pb(1-x)Sn(X)Se and Pb(1-x)Sn(x)Te diode lasers as local oscillators

A breadboard heterodyne receiver is described which was used to establish the characteristics of lead salt diode lasers pertinent to their use as local oscillators using laser devices operating in the 15-25 micrometer spectral region. Heterodyne detection efficiency is directly correlated with the transverse mode structure and emphasizes the necessity of stable lowest order mode operation for lasers when used as local oscillators. The results obtained indicate that the continued development of these lasers provide suitable local oscillators for a variety of applications.