Surface emitting microlaser based on 2D photonic crystal rod lattices

Abstract

2D photonic crystal (2D PC) structures consisting in a square lattice of Indium Phosphide (InP) microrods bonded on a Silicon/Silica Bragg mirror are experimentally investigated. We focus on slow Bloch modes above the light line, especially at the Gamma-point where a vertical emission can be obtained. Stimulated emission around 1.5 microm is demonstrated in such structures, at room temperature, for the first time. In addition the achieved threshold power lies within the range reported for surface emitting devices based on conventional lattices of holes. It is shown that the laser mode is laterally confined by a carrier induced refractive index change, under pulsed excitation. It is also demonstrated that this type of 2D PC is well suited for sensors integrated in microfluidic systems.