Work

Nanowatt threshold, alumina sensitized neodymium laser integrated on silicon

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Low threshold lasers based on rare-earth elements have enabled numerous scientific discoveries and innovations in industry. However, pushing the threshold into the sub-microwatt regime has been stymied by a fundamental material phenomenon. Specifically, rare earth dopants form clusters which quench emission and reduce efficiency. Here, we fabricate resonant cavity lasers from neodymium-doped silica films containing alumina. The alumina prevents the clustering of the Neodymium, enabling the lasers to achieve thresholds of 530 nanoWatts at room temperature.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.21.027238

Authors: Ashley J. Maker, Andrea M. Armani

Institution: University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Solid State Laser Technologies

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: University of Southern California, National Institutes of Health, Office of Naval Research, NIH Office of the Director