Stimulated emission of surface plasmon polaritons in a microcylinder cavity

We have observed stimulated emission of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in dye-doped polymeric microcylinder cavities deposited onto gold and silver wires. The stimulated emission spectra featured a characteristic series of laser modes, with modal spacing corresponding to SPPs propagating at the interface between the metal and dielectric. A plasmonic microlaser adds to the toolbox of plasmonic devices and plasmonic metamaterials and enables on-chip plasmonic generation and loss compensation.