Time-resolved lasing action from single and coupled photonic crystal nanocavity array lasers emitting in the telecom-band

TL;DR

This study investigates the ultrafast lasing dynamics of single and coupled photonic crystal nanocavity array lasers in the telecom band, revealing how coupling affects pulse duration and lasing behavior.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of time-resolved lasing in coupled nanocavity arrays, highlighting the role of asynchronous lasing in pulse extension.

Findings

Single cavity lasers produce 11 ps pulses.

Coupled cavity lasers have longer, extended pulses.

Simulations suggest asynchronous lasing extends pulse duration.

Abstract

We measure the lasing dynamics of single and coupled photonic crystal nanocavity array lasers fabricated in the indium gallium arsenide phosphide material system. Under short optical excitation, single cavity lasers produce pulses as fast as 11 ps (FWHM), while coupled cavity lasers show significantly longer lasing duration which is not explained by a simple rate equations model. A Finite Difference Time Domain simulation including carrier gain and diffusion suggests that asynchronous lasing across the nanocavity array extends the laser's pulse duration.