Experimental demonstration of a high quality factor photonic crystal microcavity

Abstract

Subthreshold measurements of a photonic crystal (PC) microcavity laser operating at 1.3 μm show a linewidth of 0.10 nm, corresponding to a quality factor (Q)∼1.3×104. The PC microcavity mode is a donor-type mode in a graded square lattice of air holes, with a theoretical Q∼105 and mode volume Veff∼0.25 cubic half-wavelengths in air. Devices are fabricated in an InAsP/InGaAsP multi-quantum-well membrane and are optically pumped at 830 nm. External peak pump power laser thresholds as low as 100 μW are also observed.