Dynamical control of square microlaser emission via symmetry classes

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to dynamically control the emission direction of square microlasers by manipulating superpositions of degenerate modes using pump polarization, enabling selective switching of emission lobes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel technique for real-time control of microlaser emission properties through symmetry class superpositions, applicable to systems with degenerate modes.

Findings

Emission lobes can be switched on and off with high extinction ratio.

The method is experimentally validated with organic square microlasers.

Dynamical control is achieved via pump polarization manipulation.

Abstract

A major objective in photonics is to tailor the emission properties of microcavities which is usually achieved with specific cavity shapes. Yet, the dynamical change of the emission properties during operation would often be advantageous. The implementation of such a method is still a challenging issue. We present an effective procedure for the dynamical control of the emission lobes which relies on the selection of a specific coherent superposition of degenerate modes belonging to different symmetry classes. It is generally applicable to systems exhibiting pairs of degenerate modes. We explored it experimentally and analytically with organic square microlasers, which emit narrow lobes parallel to their sidewalls. By means of the pump polarization, emission lobes are switched on and off selectively with an extinction ratio better 1/50.