Flexibly and Repeatedly Modulating Lasing Wavelengths in a Single Core-Shell Semiconductor Microrod

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Flexible wavelength modulation is crucial for micro/nanorod laser applications.
• Existing methods often require physical modification of the laser structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a novel structure for micro/nanorod lasers that decouples the gain medium and optical cavity.
• To achieve continuous and repeatable lasing wavelength modulation on a single microrod.

Main Methods:

• Design of a core-shell microrod structure separating gain medium and optical cavity.
• Utilizing gallium nitride (GaN)/indium gallium nitride (InGaN) materials for the microrod.
• Demonstration of wavelength tuning without altering cavity geometry or cutting the microrod.

Main Results:

• Achieved continuous and repeatable lasing wavelength modulation from 372 to 408 nm.
• Demonstrated tunability on a single, facilely synthesized 10 μm microrod.
• The proposed structure effectively decouples gain and cavity properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed structure offers a new pathway for flexible wavelength control in micro/nanorod lasers.
• This method has significant potential for applications in optical telecommunication and environmental monitoring.
• The ability to tune wavelength without physical modification simplifies device design and operation.