Two-dimensional photonic band-Gap defect mode laser.

Painter, O; Lee, RK; Scherer, A; Yariv, A; O'Brien, JD; Dapkus, PD; Kim, I · Science · 1999

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A laser cavity formed from a single defect in a two-dimensional photonic crystal is demonstrated. The optical microcavity consists of a half wavelength-thick waveguide for vertical confinement and a two-dimensional photonic crystal mirror for lateral localization. A defect in the photonic crystal is introduced to trap photons inside a volume of 2.5 cubic half-wavelengths, approximately 0.03 cubic micrometers. The laser is fabricated in the indium gallium arsenic phosphide material system, and optical gain is provided by strained quantum wells designed for a peak emission wavelength of 1.55 micrometers at room temperature. Pulsed lasing action has been observed at a wavelength of 1.5 micrometers from optically pumped devices with a substrate temperature of 143 kelvin.