Surface-plasmon mode hybridization in sub-wavelength microdisk lasers

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates hybridization of surface-plasmon and dielectric whispering-gallery modes in a sub-wavelength semiconductor microdisk laser, enabling room-temperature lasing at 1.3 microns through mode anti-crossing.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of mode hybridization in microdisk lasers by depositing a metal layer, enabling new lasing capabilities at sub-wavelength scales.

Findings

Anti-crossing behavior observed via photoluminescence spectroscopy

Room-temperature lasing achieved at 1.3 microns

Mode hybridization confirmed through experimental measurements

Abstract

Hybridization of surface-plasmon and dielectric waveguide whispering-gallery modes are demonstrated in a semiconductor microdisk laser cavity of sub-wavelength proportions. A metal layer is deposited on top of the semiconductor microdisk, the radius of which is systematically varied to enable mode hybridization between surface-plasmon and dielectric modes. The anti-crossing behavior of the two cavity mode types is experimentally observed via photoluminescence spectroscopy and optically pumped lasing action at a wavelength of 1.3 micron is achieved at room temperature.