WORLD
University of Tokyo, using 3D photonic crystals to produce laser
Baku, February 28 (AZERTAC). Shortage of Tokyo University research team announced Chuan Tai Yan, utilizes a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the photonic crystal (Photonic Crystal) resonator consisting of a laser oscillation successfully. Details are published in the December 19, 2010 in "Nature Photonics" online edition.
Photonic crystal is a can be called "optical version of" The semiconductor body of the artificial structure. Ordinary semiconductor atoms from the list of about 10nm, and in which the movement of electrons, etc., and this is different from artificial photonic crystals several hundred nm intervals by way of periodic structure and composition of the pipeline composition. Equivalent to the structure of the semiconductor band gap in the photonic crystal is known as "photonic band gap (PhotonicBandGap, PBG)".
Previously, two-dimensional photonic crystal structure as the main research and development of photonic crystals. This time, Arakawa`s team produced a 3D photonic crystal, and confirmed that it may be sealed laser, and to achieve laser oscillation.
Arakawa said the the 3D photonic crystal, "make like a plastic model." Specifically, the same as ordinary plastic model is called the "gate (Runner)" in the framework of the various components on the cut (Parts) made of, the of the 3D photonic crystal is two-dimensional parts in the production of the gate , and then remove the two-dimensional parts, after build from.
Ordinary plastic model different is that these components is extremely small, approximately 10μm square, thickness 150nm. The team adopted "MicroManipulation" electron microscopy manual operations, use of structures made of 25 parts. Because these operations require very high skills, so the "one day make an already did the best. 3D photonic crystal components near the center of periodic structures with defects do not have the resonator, and, by the InAs quantum dots formed in various parts implanted in 3 layers. Arakawa`s group observed that when the 3D photonic crystals made of laser light excitation, only the wavelength of 1.2μm light is enclosed in it. The group revealed that, Q is about 40,000, demi is 0.031nm, closing time for the tens of ps. The Q value "to 3D photonic crystal is the highest value for the world" .