Continuous-Wave Pumped Perovskite Lasers with Device Area Below 1 µm²

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Materials Science
• Quantum Optics

Background:

• Continuous-wave (CW) lasers below 1 µm² are crucial for energy-efficient on-chip optical communications.
• Simultaneously achieving sub-micrometer device size and low threshold has been challenging due to radiation losses near the optical diffraction limit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a record-small CW optically pumped perovskite laser.
• To investigate the relationship between device size, threshold, and optical properties.
• To explore the potential of exciton-polaritons for laser miniaturization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a perovskite laser with a device area of 0.65 µm².
• Optical pumping for CW laser operation.
• Analysis of threshold characteristics and modal properties in sub-micrometer devices.
• Investigation of exciton-photon coupling effects.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a record-small CW optically pumped perovskite laser with a device area of 0.65 µm².
• Observed lower thresholds in sub-micrometer lasers compared to larger devices.
• Attributed lower thresholds to enhanced exciton-photon coupling, leading to increased group refractive index and modal confinement.
• Achieved operation at an elevated temperature of 150 K due to reduced heat generation.

Conclusions:

• Exciton-polaritons enable significant laser miniaturization, approaching the optical diffraction limit.
• The study provides a pathway for developing low-threshold semiconductor lasers without artificial optical cavities.
• This work offers a promising alternative for energy-efficient on-chip optical communication technologies.