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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Applications in Nanoparticle Synthesis Through Laser Ablation in Liquids
Published on: June 16, 2023
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Waveguide-Integrated Colloidal Nanocrystal Supraparticle Lasers.
Pedro Urbano Alves1, Benoit J E Guilhabert1, John R McPhillimy1
1Institute of Photonics, Department of Physics, SUPA, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD, U.K.
ACS Applied Optical Materials
|December 1, 2023
Summary
Researchers demonstrate printing individual supraparticle (SP) microlasers made from colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). This breakthrough enables precise placement for advanced photonic integrated circuits.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Supraparticle (SP) microlasers from colloidal nanocrystals offer potential for integrated photonics.
- Deterministic placement of these microlasers for integration is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the manipulation and printing of individual SP microlasers.
- To lay the foundation for their integration into complex photonic circuits.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of CdSxSe1-x/ZnS colloidal quantum dot (CQD) SPs (4-20 μm diameter) using oil-in-water self-assembly.
- Optical characterization under 532 nm excitation, revealing laser modes between 625-655 nm.
- Microtransfer printing for precise pickup and placement of individual CQD SPs.
Main Results:
- CQD SPs with Q-factors ~300 were fabricated.
- Lasing threshold achieved at an average of 2.6 excitons per CQD.
- Individual CQD SPs were successfully printed onto new substrates without impacting lasing.
- Demonstrated successful coupling of a printed CQD SP's modes to an SU-8 waveguide.
Conclusions:
- The developed microtransfer printing technique enables deterministic placement of CQD SP microlasers.
- This method is crucial for fabricating advanced photonic integrated circuits.
- The results pave the way for on-demand integration of coherent optical sources.
