Spasers, VCSELs, and Surface plasmon emitting diodes (SPED): their unique features and figures of merit

TL;DR

This paper compares the fundamental features and performance metrics of plasmonic spasers, VCSELs, and SPEDs to guide researchers in selecting appropriate emitters for various opto-electronic applications.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of spasers, VCSELs, and SPEDs, highlighting their similarities and differences in key performance parameters.

Findings

Spasers and VCSELs share some fundamental characteristics.

Large differences exist in threshold, efficiency, coherence, and speed.

The analysis aids in informed emitter selection for applications.

Abstract

We compare fundamental characteristics of proposed electrically pumped subwavelength plasmonic lasers (spasers) with ubiquitous all-dielectric semiconductor micro-lasers (VCSEL) and indicate their close similarities as well as large differences in performance (threshold, efficiency, coherence and speed). These results should assist researchers in making informed choice of the emitter for each particular opto-electronic application.