Surface emitting microlaser based on 2D photonic crystal rod lattices

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• 2D photonic crystals (2D PCs) offer unique light manipulation properties.
• Slow Bloch modes, particularly at the Gamma-point, are crucial for vertical emission applications.
• Achieving stimulated emission at room temperature is a key goal in photonic device development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate 2D photonic crystal structures for light emission.
• To demonstrate stimulated emission in Indium Phosphide (InP) microrod-based 2D PCs.
• To explore the potential of these structures for sensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 2D PCs using a square lattice of Indium Phosphide (InP) microrods on a Silicon/Silica Bragg mirror.
• Experimental investigation of slow Bloch modes above the light line.
• Measurement of stimulated emission at room temperature around 1.5 micrometers.
• Analysis of laser mode confinement via carrier-induced refractive index change.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated stimulated emission around 1.5 micrometers in InP microrod 2D PCs at room temperature for the first time.
• Achieved threshold power comparable to conventional surface-emitting devices.
• Confirmed lateral confinement of the laser mode by carrier-induced refractive index change under pulsed excitation.
• Showcased suitability of 2D PCs for integrated sensors in microfluidic systems.

Conclusions:

• 2D photonic crystals based on InP microrods are capable of room-temperature stimulated emission.
• These structures exhibit promising characteristics for low-threshold lasers and integrated photonic sensors.
• The demonstrated properties open avenues for advanced microfluidic and sensing technologies.