Optically pumped colloidal-quantum-dot lasing in LED-like devices with an integrated optical cavity
Jeongkyun Roh1,2, Young-Shin Park1,3, Jaehoon Lim1,4
1Chemistry Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, 87545, USA.
Nature Communications
|January 16, 2020
Summary
Solution-processable quantum dots (QDs) enable electrically pumped lasing, paving the way for advanced photonics and sensing devices. These engineered QDs demonstrate dual-function laser diodes with low thresholds and strong electroluminescence.
Area of Science:
- Semiconductor physics
- Materials science
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Electrically pumped lasing is crucial for photonics, chemical sensing, and medical diagnostics.
- Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) offer tunable, size-controlled emission wavelengths, making them promising for lasing applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate electrically pumped lasing using specially engineered colloidal quantum dots.
- To develop dual-function devices capable of operating as both light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and optically pumped lasers.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a distributed feedback resonator into a bottom LED electrode.
- Engineering a refractive-index profile for waveguided mode confinement within the QD active layer.
- Utilizing an ultrathin active layer (approximately three QD monolayers).
Main Results:
- Demonstration of low-threshold lasing in devices with an ultrathin QD active layer.
- Observation of strong electroluminescence (EL) under electrical pumping.
- Successful creation of dual-function (lasing/EL) optoelectronic devices.
Conclusions:
- Engineered colloidal QDs can achieve electrically pumped lasing.
- The developed device platform shows potential for realizing colloidal QD laser diodes.
- These findings advance the development of solution-processable laser diodes for various applications.
