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Self-tuned quantum dot gain in photonic crystal lasers
S Strauf1, K Hennessy, M T Rakher
1Materials Department, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA. strauf@physics.ucsb.edu
Physical Review Letters
|April 12, 2006
Summary
Few quantum dots enable photonic-crystal lasers with ultralow thresholds. This demonstrates a transition to coherent light, overcoming suppressed emission via energy transfer for self-tuned resonance.
Area of Science:
- Quantum optics
- Nanophotonics
- Laser physics
Background:
- Photonic-crystal lasers typically require significant gain media.
- Achieving lasing in nanocavities with discrete emitters is challenging due to resonance requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate lasing in a photonic-crystal nanocavity using a minimal number of quantum dots.
- To investigate the mechanism enabling lasing under non-resonant conditions.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a high-quality nanocavity.
- Integration of 2-4 quantum dots as the gain medium.
- Photon correlation measurements to analyze light coherence and lasing thresholds.
Main Results:
- Successful realization of a photonic-crystal laser with only 2-4 quantum dots.
- Photon correlation data confirmed a transition from thermal to coherent light emission.
- Lasing action was observed at ultralow thresholds, contrary to expectations.
Conclusions:
- A small number of quantum dots can suffice for photonic-crystal laser operation.
- Quasicontinuous quantum dot states facilitate energy transfer, enabling self-tuned resonance and overcoming emission suppression.
- This work opens possibilities for miniaturized and efficient laser sources.
