Higher-Order Multiphoton Absorption Upconversion Lasing Based on ZnO/ZnMgO Multiple Quantum Wells

Area of Science:

• Nonlinear optics
• Quantum optics
• Materials science

Background:

• Multiphoton absorption (MPA) upconversion lasing is crucial for applications like bioimaging and optical data storage.
• ZnO/ZnMgO multiple quantum wells (MQWs) offer potential for advanced optical devices due to their stability and exciton properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve and investigate efficient four-photon absorption upconversion lasing in ZnO/ZnMgO MQWs at room temperature.
• To concurrently study MPA upconversion lasing and third-harmonic generation, detailing their differences.

Main Methods:

• Utilized femtosecond (fs) laser pulse excitation on ZnO/ZnMgO MQWs.
• Analyzed upconversion lasing and third-harmonic generation spectra.
• Investigated the influence of Au nanoparticles (NPs) and localized surface plasmons (LSPs) on photoluminescence (PL) intensity.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated efficient four-photon absorption upconversion lasing in ZnO/ZnMgO MQWs at room temperature.
• Observed concurrent MPA upconversion lasing and third-harmonic generation, with distinct characteristics.
• Reported a blue shift in the upconversion lasing peak for MQWs compared to ZnO film.
• Enhanced four-photon absorption upconversion photoluminescence intensity using Au NPs and LSPs.

Conclusions:

• The study successfully realized efficient four-photon absorption upconversion lasing in ZnO/ZnMgO MQWs.
• The findings highlight the potential of MQWs for short-wavelength lasers, leveraging their structural advantages.
• Integration with plasmonic nanoparticles offers a route to further enhance upconversion efficiency.