A random laser based on diamond nanoneedles

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel diamond nanoneedle-based random laser that offers high spectral radiance, angle-free emission, and low thresholds, expanding diamond's application in compact photonic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a new random laser design using diamond nanoneedles as scatterers combined with fluorescent dye gain medium, with optimized parameters for lasing.

Findings

High spectral radiance with angle-free emission.

Lasing threshold of 0.16 mJ.

Optimal pillar spacing of 336 nm and density of ~2.9x10^10 cm^-2.

Abstract

Random lasers use radiative gain and multiple scatterers in disordered media to generate light amplification. In this study, we demonstrate a random laser based on diamond nanoneedles that act as scatterers in combination with fluorescent dye molecules that serve as a gain medium. Random lasers realized using diamond possess high spectral radiance with angle-free emission and thresholds of 0.16 mJ. The emission dependence on the pillar diameter and density is investigated, and optimum lasing conditions are measured for pillars with spacing and density of 336 nm and ~ 2.9x10^10 cm-2. Our results expand the application space of diamond as a material platform for practical, compact photonic devices and sensing applications.