Colloidal quantum dot lasers built on a passive two-dimensional photonic crystal backbone

Abstract

We report the room-temperature lasing action from two-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) structures composed of a passive Si₃N₄ backbone with an over-coat of CdSe/CdS/ZnS colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) for optical gain. When optically excited, devices lased in dual PC band-edge modes, with the modal dominance governed by the thickness of the CQD over-layer. The demonstrated laser platform should have an impact on future photonic integrated circuits as the on-chip coupling between active and passive components is readily achievable.