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Published on: November 30, 2012
Optically triggered Q-switched photonic crystal laser.
Optics Express
|June 5, 2009
Summary
Researchers demonstrated an optically triggered liquid crystal Q-switched photonic crystal laser. This tunable laser switches between two modes, altering emission polarization and wavelength using a photoaddressable polymer.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Materials Science
- Nanophotonics
Background:
- Photonic crystal lasers offer unique light manipulation properties.
- Liquid crystals provide tunable optical characteristics.
- Integrating active materials into photonic crystals is key for advanced laser designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate an optically triggered, Q-switched photonic crystal laser.
- To achieve reversible switching of laser modes, polarization, and wavelength.
- To explore the synergy between photonic crystal cavities and infiltrated liquid crystals.
Main Methods:
- Designed and fabricated a photonic crystal laser cavity supporting dual polarized modes.
- Infiltrated the cavity with a liquid crystal material.
- Utilized a photoaddressable polymer and a writing laser to control liquid crystal orientation.
- Achieved Q-switching and mode switching via optical control.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated a Q-switched photonic crystal laser.
- Achieved reversible switching between two high-Q cavity modes.
- Showcased control over laser emission polarization and wavelength.
- Validated the synergistic integration of liquid crystals within photonic crystal cavities.
Conclusions:
- Customized photonic crystal cavities can effectively synergize with infiltrated materials.
- Optically controlled liquid crystal infiltration enables tunable photonic crystal lasers.
- This work highlights the potential of integrating semiconductor nanophotonics with advanced optical materials.
