Enhanced feedback in organic photonic-crystal lasers

The mode coupling of organic lasers is greatly enhanced by a photonic crystal that consists of a thin layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) with a rectangular lattice of holes. The use of TiO2 increases the index contrast in the photonic crystal as well as the confinement in the waveguide, which results in larger feedback given to the lasing modes. This in turn leads to lower thresholds and much smaller devices. Vertically emitting laser devices have been fabricated according to optimized parameters, and the spectral features measured are in excellent agreement with simulations. The devices feature a three to five times lower threshold than devices whose feedback structure is etched directly into the fused silica substrate. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.