We present complex-coupled, edge-emitting, photonic crystal (PC) distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) emitting at lambda similar to 7.6 mu m and operating up to a heat sink temperature of 60 degrees C in pulsed mode. Stable single-mode emission with a high signal-to-noise ratio of near 20 dB and narrow beam divergence of 4.2 degrees was obtained. A high peak power of 860 mW at 20 degrees C and still more than 150 mW at 50 degrees C was observed. Such a complex-coupled single-mode, small divergence angle laser is very important to expand the potential applications in the long-wave infrared range. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.