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Microcavity Laser Based on a Single Molecule Thick High Gain Layer.
Alexander Palatnik1, Hagit Aviv1, Yaakov R Tischler1
1Bar-Ilan University , Ramat-Gan 5920002, Israel.
ACS Nano
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Researchers achieved lasing in a monolayer vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) using a single molecule thick film of fluorescent dye. This breakthrough overcomes previous limitations in monolayer microcavity devices for photonics applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Monolayer exciton confinement enables studies in energy transfer, super-radiance, and light-matter coupling.
- Vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are vital for telecommunications but face challenges with monolayer gain media due to self-absorption and low quantum yields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate lasing in a monolayer VCSEL by overcoming optical self-absorption and low fluorescence quantum yields.
- To utilize a molecular gain layer for enhanced optical properties in microcavity devices.
Main Methods:
- Assembled a single molecule thick film of amphiphilic fluorescent dye using Langmuir-Blodgett deposition as the gain layer.
- Fabricated a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) device incorporating the monolayer gain medium.
Main Results:
- Achieved lasing from the monolayer VCSEL device.
- Observed lasing threshold at 5% molecular excitation (4.4 μJ/cm²).
- Measured optical gain exceeding 1056 cm⁻¹ in the monolayer gain layer.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of lasing in monolayer VCSELs, overcoming previous limitations.
- Langmuir-Blodgett deposition provides a method for engineering high-gain molecular layers.
- High exciton localization in the VCSEL gain layer enhances collective emission properties for photonics integration.
