InAs quantum-dot laser utilizing GaAs photonic-crystal line-defect waveguide

We have observed laser action from optically-pumped InAs-quantum-dots embedded in a line-defect waveguide in an air-bridge type GaAs-photonic-crystal slab (an array of air-holes). The lasing is found to occur without any optical cavity such as a set of Fabry-Perot mirrors. Comparison of the observed transmittance spectrum with the calculated band dispersion of the W3 defect-mode enables us to specify the lasing wavelength as that at the band edge. From this fact it follows that distributed feedback mechanism at the band edge with a vanishingly small group-velocity should be responsible for the present lasing. Usefulness of this kind of compact laser in a future ultrafast planar photonic integrated circuit is discussed.