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Edge-emitting polariton laser and amplifier based on a ZnO waveguide
O Jamadi1, F Reveret1, P Disseix1
11Institut Pascal, PHOTON-N2, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Light, Science & Applications
|November 6, 2018
Summary
We achieved exciton-polariton (polariton) laser operation in ZnO waveguides across a wide temperature range. This breakthrough enables integrated polariton circuits with potential for topological protection.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state physics
- Optoelectronics
- Quantum optics
Background:
- Exciton-polaritons are quasiparticles formed from the strong coupling of excitons and photons.
- ZnO is a promising material for optoelectronic devices due to its wide bandgap and exciton binding energy.
- Previous studies focused on planar microcavities, limiting integration possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate edge-emitting polariton laser operation in ZnO waveguides.
- To investigate the polaritonic nature of lasing modes through guided mode dispersion.
- To explore the potential for integrated polaritonics and topological protection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ZnO waveguides with integrated gratings.
- Temperature-dependent measurements of edge-emitted photoluminescence.
- Analysis of guided mode dispersion below and above the lasing threshold.
Main Results:
- Achieved polariton laser operation in ZnO waveguides from 5 to 300 K.
- Directly measured guided mode dispersion, confirming polaritonic nature.
- Observed lower lasing thresholds compared to planar ZnO microcavities below 150 K.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated the viability of guided polaritonics in ZnO waveguides.
- Opened new avenues for creating integrated polariton circuits.
- Highlighted the potential for exploiting fast-propagating polaritons and topological protection in future devices.
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