Heterogeneous Random Laser with Switching Activity Visualized by Replica Symmetry Breaking Maps

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates heterogeneous random lasers with spatially distinct, switchable emission regions visualized through high-resolution RSB maps, revealing mode interactions and potential for adaptable photonic networks.

Contribution

It introduces a novel heterogeneous RL system with switchable micrometric emission domains visualized by RSB maps, advancing understanding of mode interactions in complex photonic networks.

Findings

Distinct micrometric laser domains switch on and off with pump intensity.

RSB maps with 2 μm resolution visualize spatial emission heterogeneity.

Laser regions have an average extension of 50 μm.

Abstract

In the past decade, complex networks of light emitters are proposed as novel platforms for photonic circuits and lab-on-chip active devices. Lasing networks made by connected multiple gain components and graphs of nanoscale random lasers (RLs) obtained from complex meshes of polymeric nanofibers are successful prototypes. However, in the reported research, mainly collective emission from a whole network of resonators is investigated, and only in a few cases, the emission from single points showing, although homogeneous and broad, spatial emission. In all cases, simultaneous activation of the miniaturized lasers is observed. Here, differently, we realize heterogeneous random lasers made of ribbon-like and highly porous fibers with evident RL action from separated micrometric domains that alternatively switch on and off by tuning the pumping light intensity. We visualize this novel effect by building for the first time replica symmetry breaking (RSB) maps of the emitting fibers with 2 {\mu}m spatial resolution. In addition, we calculate the spatial correlations of the laser regions showing clearly an average extension of 50 {\mu}m. The observed blinking effect is due to mode interaction along light guiding fibers and opens new avenues in the fabrication of flexible photonic networks with specific and adaptable activity.