Theory and experiment of submonolayer quantum-dot metal-cavity surface-emitting microlasers

We present a theoretical model for metal-cavity submonolayer quantum-dot surface-emitting microlasers, which operate at room temperature under electrical injection. Size-dependent lasing characteristics are investigated experimentally and theoretically with device radius ranging from 5 μm to 0.5 μm. The quantum dot emission and cavity optical properties are used in a rate-equation model to study the laser light output power vs. current behavior. Our theory explains the observed size-dependent physics and provides a guide for future device size reduction.