Higher-dimensional supersymmetric microlaser arrays.

Qiao, Xingdu; Midya, Bikashkali; Gao, Zihe; Zhang, Zhifeng; Zhao, Haoqi; Wu, Tianwei; Yim, Jieun; Agarwal, Ritesh et al. · Science · 2021

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The nonlinear scaling of complexity with the increased number of components in integrated photonics is a major obstacle impeding large-scale, phase-locked laser arrays. Here, we develop a higher-dimensional supersymmetry formalism for precise mode control and nonlinear power scaling. Our supersymmetric microlaser arrays feature phase-locked coherence and synchronization of all of the evanescently coupled microring lasers-collectively oscillating in the fundamental transverse supermode-which enables high-radiance, small-divergence, and single-frequency laser emission with a two-orders-of-magnitude enhancement in energy density. We also demonstrate the feasibility of structuring high-radiance vortex laser beams, which enhance the laser performance by taking full advantage of spatial degrees of freedom of light. Our approach provides a route for designing large-scale integrated photonic systems in both classical and quantum regimes.