JST: Develop innovative microlaser tech: Discovery of new laser oscillation phenomenon
-Wave confinement effect by topology, new light for innovative microlaser technology development-
JST / NIMS
“New optical confinement phenomena by topological properties of honeycomb photonic crystals” have been discovered.
“Successful fabrication of a microlaser showing excellent directivity“.
The discovery of excellent laser light sources required for innovative technology development (communication, sensor processing, DNA manipulation).
General materials have: Topological properties
In general, the topological properties of materials are “locally appear on the surface and edges of the system (bulk-edge correspondence)”
By using them, it is possible to achieve “light and electromagnetic wave propagation that is not scattered by current or defects without resistance.”
Conventional research:
However, it has not been clarified whether the topological properties can be used to improve the performance of the entire system, not just the surfaces and edges.
This study:
This time, the research team has enclosed “the periphery of a luminescent semiconductor photonic crystal (having topological properties)” with “a photonic crystal without topological properties.”
As a result, we discovered that light was reflected at the boundary (red line in Fig. 1a) and the optical mode confined in the center was amplified.
This approach: unique points
Whether a photonic crystal has or does not have topological properties depends on the position of the triangular vacancies.
Is it slightly away from the center of the unit cell of the honeycomb array (Fig. 1a blue line)
Is it slightly closer to the center of the unit cell of the honeycomb array (Fig. 1a green line)
It is possible to make differently with the above.
Light irradiation laser oscillation: excellent directivity (emission threshold)
Light irradiation laser oscillation at room temperature using this device (Fig. 1b) shows excellent directivity in the direction perpendicular to the cavity plane despite the small device size.
In addition, it was confirmed that “indicators of laser characteristics such as light emission threshold also meet IEEE and other industrial standards.”
This study:
Laser oscillation over the entire topological photonic crystal was confirmed.
In addition, it has been proved that the topological properties of the substances help to improve the performance of the whole system.
Derived from topological characteristics: Laser oscillation principle
Miniaturization of micro laser,
Output power improvement,
Search for excellent laser performance such as light eddies
It is a new guideline for research and development.
Extremely small and excellent solids: development of laser light source
Near-field optical microscope,
Attention optical tweezers at the Nobel Prize last year
Laser technology in the micro world
Innovation in medical and life science and technology
It is expected to contribute.