Wavelength-tunable spasing in the visible.

Abstract

A SPASER, short for surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, is key to accessing coherent optical fields at the nanoscale. Nevertheless, the realization of a SPASER in the visible range still remains a great challenge because of strong dissipative losses. Here, we demonstrate that room-temperature SPASER emission can be achieved by amplifying longitudinal surface plasmon modes supported in gold nanorods as plasmon nanocavities and utilizing laser dyes to supply optical gain for compensation of plasmon losses. By choosing a particular organic dye and adjusting the doping level, the resonant wavelength of the SPASER emission can be tuned from 562 to 627 nm with a spectral line width narrowed down to 5-11 nm. This work provides a versatile route toward SPASERs at extended wavelength regimes.