journal article·2020-05

Tunable Microlasers Modulated by Intracavity Spherical Confinement with Chiral Liquid Crystal

Yifan Zhang, Zhiyi Yuan, Zhen Qiao, Devesh Barshilia, Wenjie Wang, Guo‐En Chang, Yu‐Cheng Chen

Advanced Optical Materials· Volume 8· Issue 10
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Manipulation of laser emission offers promising opportunities for the generation of new spatial dimensions and applications, particularly in nanophotonics, super‐resolution imaging, and data transfer devices. However, the ability to control laser modes and wavelength in a microcavity remains challenging. Here, a novel approach is demonstrated to control laser modes by manipulating the 3D‐optical confinement, chirality, and orientations in a Fabry−Pérot microcavity with cholesteric liquid crystal droplets. Different configurations of intracavity micro‐/nanostructures generate versatile dimensions of laser modes, while the significantly reduced laser mode volume further leads to single‐mode lasing. Theoretical analysis is carried out to support this interesting discovery. Finally, switchable lasing wavelength with various surface anchoring forces and pH interactions is demonstrated. This novel concept not only provides a simple yet highly versatile method to manipulate laser emissions, but deepens insight into how molecules interact with and modulate laser light, laying the foundation for the development of tunable photonic devices at the molecular level. Promising applications include highly selective laser devices, laser‐emission imaging, and bioinspired sensing.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Orbital Angular Momentum in Optics · Photonic Crystals and Applications · Photonic and Optical Devices

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Nanyang Technological Universit 50 Nanyang Ave Singapore 639798 Singapore

Department of Mechanical Engineering National Chung Cheng University Minhsiung Chiayi 62102 Taiwan, ROC

Key Lab of Advanced Transducers and Intelligent Control System of Ministry of Education Taiyuan University of Technology Taiyuan 030024 P. R. China

School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Nanyang Technological University 62 Nanyang Drive Singapore

Funding

Nanyang Technological University

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