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A high-performance topological bulk laser based on band-inversion-induced reflection
Zeng-Kai Shao1,2,3, Hua-Zhou Chen1,2,3, Suo Wang1,2,3
1State Key Lab for Mesoscopic Physics and School of Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Nature Nanotechnology
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a novel topological bulk laser using semiconductor nanodisks. This device leverages topological band inversion for efficient, single-mode lasing with directional emission, paving the way for practical applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Topological insulators exhibit unique bulk and edge/surface electronic properties due to band dispersion.
- Practical applications of topological band properties in bulk materials remain largely theoretical.
- Photonic crystals offer a platform to engineer electromagnetic wave behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and experimentally demonstrate a functional laser based on topological bulk properties.
- To investigate the application of topological band inversion in photonic devices.
- To achieve practical lasing characteristics using topological effects.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of semiconductor nanodisk arrays to create photonic crystal cavities.
- Engineering topological band inversion between the cavity's interior and cladding.
- Utilizing topological edge reflection for optical feedback mechanism.
- Characterization of lasing performance including mode, emission, and efficiency.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of a topological bulk laser operating at room temperature.
- Achieved single-mode lasing with highly directional vertical emission.
- The device meets practical requirements for cavity size, threshold, linewidth, and side-mode suppression ratio.
- Topological band-inversion-induced reflection confirmed as the lasing feedback mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The developed topological bulk laser represents a significant advancement in practical applications of topological physics.
- The device's performance metrics align with industry standards for various applications.
- Potential applications include near-field spectroscopy, solid-state lighting, and optical communication systems.
