Broadband Tunable Microlasers Based on Controlled Intramolecular Charge-Transfer Process in Organic Supramolecular Microcrystals

TLDR

Wavelength‑tunable micro/nanolasers are indispensable components for various photonic devices. The study reports broadband tunable microlasers created by integrating a highly polarized organic intramolecular charge‑transfer compound with a supramolecular host. Spatial confinement of the ICT dye generates an optimized energy‑level system that controls population between the locally excited and twisted intramolecular charge‑transfer states, thereby broadening the gain region. We achieved wide tunability of lasing wavelength through temperature‑controlled transfer from the LE to TICT states, providing guidance for the rational design of miniaturized lasers.

Abstract

Wavelength tunable micro/nanolasers are indispensable components for various photonic devices. Here, we report broadband tunable microlasers built by incorporating a highly polarized organic intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) compound with a supramolecular host. The spatial confinement of the ICT dye generates an optimized energy level system that favors controlled population distribution between the locally excited (LE) state and the twisted intramolecular charge-transfer (TICT) state, which is beneficial for significantly broadening the tailorable gain region. As a result, we realized a wide tuning of lasing wavelength in the organic supramolecular microcrystals based on temperature-controlled population transfer from the LE to TICT state. The results will provide a useful enlightenment for the rational design of miniaturized lasers with desired performances.