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Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation

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Ultralow Threshold Cavity-Free Laser Induced by Total Internal Reflection.

Han-Wen Hu¹, Golam Haider², Yu-Ming Liao¹

¹Department of Physics, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.

|August 11, 2020

Summary

This study introduces an ultra-low threshold cavity-free laser using air bubbles. Total internal reflection from these bubbles enhances light amplification, reducing energy leakage for improved laser performance.

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Area of Science:

Optics and Photonics
Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

Total internal reflection is crucial for wave propagation and has applications in optical communication and microscopy.
Cavity-free lasers in disordered media show phenomena like Anderson localization but haven't utilized total internal reflection.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate an ultra-low threshold cavity-free laser system.
To investigate the role of total internal reflection in enhancing laser action in disordered media.

Main Methods:

Utilizing air bubbles as scattering centers in a disordered medium.
Leveraging total internal reflection at the air-bubble interface to confine light.
Achieving stimulated emission of radiation without a resonant cavity.

Main Results:

Demonstrated an ultra-low threshold for cavity-free laser action.
Showcased reduced scattered beam energy leakage due to total internal reflection.
Enhanced light amplification within a coherent closed loop.

Conclusions:

Total internal reflection at air bubbles enables ultra-low threshold cavity-free lasers.
This method offers a novel way to control optical energy flow.
The findings are valuable for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices.