Room temperature plasmonic lasing in a continuous wave operation mode from an InGaN/GaN single nanorod with a low...

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Integrating photonic and electronic circuits requires nanoscale devices like nanolasers.
• The diffraction limit of light presents a significant challenge for miniaturization.
• Surface Plasmon Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (SPASER) offers a potential solution for subwavelength nanolasers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel nano-SPASER with a record low threshold for continuous wave (cw) operation at room temperature.
• To overcome technological challenges hindering practical SPASER devices.
• To demonstrate a fabrication approach for future electrically injected plasmonic lasers.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a nano-SPASER using a single InGaN/GaN nanorod on a SiO2 spacer layer atop a silver film.
• Optical pumping of the device using a continuous wave (cw) diode laser.
• Utilizing a cost-effective post-growth fabrication approach for the nanorod.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record low threshold for a nano-SPASER at room temperature.
• Demonstrated continuous wave (cw) operation.
• Optimized surface plasmon coupling through precise control of the nanorod/dielectric spacer/plasmonic metal composite geometry.

Conclusions:

• The developed nano-SPASER represents a significant advancement in overcoming the diffraction limit for nanolasers.
• The fabrication approach enables precise control over plasmon coupling, crucial for device performance.
• This work paves the way for the development of electrically injected plasmonic lasers.