Photonic crystals as functional mirrors for semiconductor lasers

Photonic crystals;Semiconductor lasers;Quantum dots

Moore, Stephen A. ; Krauss, Thomas F. ; Krauss, Thomas F.

University:University of St Andrews

Department:Physics & Astronomy (School of)

关键词: Photonic crystals;    Semiconductor lasers;    Quantum dots;   

Others  :  https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/10023/557/Stephen%20A%20Moore%20PhD%20thesis.pdf?sequence=6&isAllowed=y

来源: DR-NTU

【 摘 要 】

In recent years, interest has grown in the research fields of semiconductor lasersand photonic crystals. This thesis looks at integrating photonic crystals intoexisting semiconductor laser technology to act as functional laser mirrors.The majority of the research is conducted on a quantum-dot material system.The surface recombination velocity of a GaAs based quantum-dot material isshown to be a similar value to InP material. This allows the creation of finephotonic crystal structures in the laser design without high threshold currentpenalties.The spectral reflection properties of a one dimensional photonic crystal isstudied and found to be an unsuitable candidate for a stand-alone laser mirror,due to its low reflectivity.A two-dimensional photonic crystal W3 defect waveguide is successfully integrated as a quantum-dot laser mirror. Single fundamental mode output isachieved with a typically multi-mode 20 μm wide laser mesa, highlighting themode selective property of the mirror.A similar two-dimensional mirror is studied for its potential as a dispersioncompensating mirror for mode-locked lasers. Initial theoretical analysis showspulse compression for a suitably designed mirror. Experimental continuous-wave results for the same mirror structure demonstrate the tuning of mirrorreflectivity with photonic crystal hole radius.A hybrid silicon-organic photonic crystal laser is demonstrated with outputin the visible spectrum. This design is a new type of silicon emitter.