Thresholdless nanoscale coaxial lasers

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics and photonics
• Nanotechnology and materials science
• Electromagnetism and condensed matter physics

Background:

• Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) studies matter-electromagnetic field interactions in resonant structures.
• Subwavelength resonant structures are key for exploring QED effects and developing advanced photonic devices.
• Existing nanolaser designs face challenges in scaling down cavity size without increasing lasing thresholds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable, low-threshold, efficient nanolaser operating at room temperature.
• To overcome the limitations of current nanoresonators in achieving smaller sizes and lower lasing thresholds.
• To explore new platforms for cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) devices and metamaterials.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of a novel family of coaxial nanostructured cavities.
• Utilizing specific geometry and metal composition to address resonator scalability.
• Demonstration of lasing performance at telecommunications frequencies.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the smallest room-temperature, continuous-wave laser operating at telecommunications frequencies.
• Achieved thresholdless lasing by modifying coaxial nanocavity design with a broadband gain medium.
• The coaxial nanocavities offer a scalable solution to nanolaser resonator challenges.

Conclusions:

• The developed coaxial nanocavities represent a significant advancement in nanolaser technology.
• These nanoscale resonators provide a powerful platform for future QED devices and metamaterials.
• The findings pave the way for on-chip optical communication, advanced imaging, and sensing applications.