Topological defect lasers

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental realization of topological defect lasers in a GaAs membrane with embedded quantum dots, demonstrating controlled lasing modes with high quality factors and complex energy flow patterns.

Contribution

It introduces a novel topological defect laser design using disclinations in a square-lattice structure, enabling advanced control over lasing modes and energy flow.

Findings

Achieved spatially confined optical resonances with high quality factors.

Demonstrated lasing upon optical excitation of embedded quantum dots.

Controlled the mode pattern and energy flow via unit cell orientation variation.

Abstract

We demonstrate topological defect lasers in a GaAs membrane with embedded InAs quantum dots. By introducing a disclination to a square-lattice of elliptical air holes, we obtain spatially confined optical resonances with high quality factor. Such resonances support powerflow vortices, and lase upon optical excitation of quantum dots, embedded in the structure. The spatially inhomogeneous variation of the unit cell orientation adds another dimension to the control of a lasing mode, enabling the manipulation of its field pattern and energy flow landscape.