2D noncarbon materials-based nonlinear optical devices for ultrafast photonics [Invited]

Ultrafast lasers play an important role in a variety of applications ranging from optical communications to medical diagnostics and industrial materials processing. Graphene and other two-dimensional(2D) noncarbon materials, including topological insulators(TIs), transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs), phosphorene, bismuthene, and antimonene, have witnessed a very fast development of both fundamental and practical aspects in ultrafast photonics since 2009. Their unique nonlinear optical properties enable them to be used as excellent saturable absorbers(SAs) that have fast responses and broadband operation, and can be easily integrated into lasers. Here, we catalog and review recent progress in the exploitation of these 2D noncarbon materials in this emerging field. The fabrication techniques, nonlinear optical properties, and device integration strategies of 2D noncarbon materials are first introduced with a comprehensive view. Then, various mode-locked/Q-switched lasers(e.g., fiber, solid-state, disk, and waveguide lasers) based on 2D noncarbon materials are reviewed. In addition, versatile soliton pulses generated from the mode-locked fiber lasers based on 2D noncarbon materials are also summarized. Finally, future challenges and perspectives of 2D materials-based lasers are addressed.     

Two-dimensional materials-decorated microfiber devices for pulse generation and shaping in fiber lasers

Two-dimensional(2D) materials have been regarded as a promising nonlinear optical medium for fabricating versatile optical and optoelectronic devices. Among the various photonic applications, the employment of 2D materials as nonlinear optical devices such as saturable absorbers for ultrashort pulse generation and shaping in ultrafast lasers is one of the most striking aspects in recent years. In this paper, we review the recent progress of 2D materials based pulse generation and soliton shaping in ultrafast fiber lasers, and particularly in the context of 2D materials-decorated microfiber photonic devices. The fabrication of 2D materials-decorated microfiber photonic devices, high performance mode-locked pulse generation, and the nonlinear soliton dynamics based on pulse shaping method are discussed. Finally, the challenges and the perspective of the 2D materials-based photonic devices as well as their applications are also discussed.     

Two‐dimensional microcavity lasers

Advances in processing technology, such as quantum‐well structures and dry‐etching techniques, have made it possible to create new types of two‐dimensional (2D) microcavity lasers which have 2D emission patterns of output laser light although conventional one‐dimensional (1D) edge‐emitting‐type lasers have 1D emission. Two‐dimensional microcavity lasers have given nice experimental stages for fundamental researches on wave chaos closely related to quantum chaos. New types of 2D microcavity lasers also can offer the important lasing characteristics of directionality and high‐power output light, and they may well find applications in optical communications, integrated optical circuits, and optical sensors. Fundamental physics of 2D microcavity lasers has been reviewed from the viewpoint of classical and quantum chaos, and recently developed theoretical approaches have been introduced. In addition, nonlinear dynamics due to the interaction among wave‐chaotic modes through the active lasing medium is explained. Applications of 2D microcavity lasers for directional emission with strong light confinement are introduced, as well as high‐precision rotation sensors designed by using wave‐chaotic properties.     

ZnO and ZnS Nanostructures: Ultraviolet-Light Emitters,Lasers, and Sensors

ZnO and ZnS, well-known direct bandgap II–VI semiconductors, are promising materials for photonic, optical, and electronic devices. Nanostructured materials have lent a leading edge to the next generation technology due to their distinguished performance and efficiency for device fabrication. As two of the most suitable materials with size- and dimensionality-dependent functional properties, wide bandgap semiconducting ZnO and ZnS nanostructures have attracted particular attention in recent years. For example, both materials have been assembled into nanometer-scale visible-light-blind ultraviolet (UV) light sensors with high sensitivity and selectivity, in addition to other applications such as field emitters and lasers. Their high-performance characteristics are particularly due to the high surface-to-volume ratios (SVR) and rationally designed surfaces. This article provides a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research activities in ZnO and ZnS nanostructures, including their syntheses and potential applications, with an emphasis on one-dimensional (1D) ZnO and ZnS nanostructure-based UV light emissions, lasers, and sensors. We begin with a survey of nanostructures, fundamental properties of ZnO and ZnS, and UV radiation–based applications. This is followed by detailed discussions on the recent progress of their synthesis, UV light emissions, lasers, and sensors. Additionally, developments of ZnS/ZnO composite nanostructures, including core/shell and heterostructures, are discussed and their novel optical properties are reviewed. Finally, we conclude this review with the perspectives and outlook on the future developments in this area. This review explores the possible influences of research breakthroughs of ZnO and ZnS nanostructures on the current and future applications for UV light–based lasers and sensors.     

Electrically pumped two-dimensional Bragg grating lasers

We demonstrate electrically pumped InGaAsP two-dimensional Bragg grating (2DBG) lasers with two line defects. The 2DBG structure uses a weak 2D index perturbation surface grating to control the optical modes in the plane of the wafer. Measurements of the 2DBG lasers show that modal control in both the longitudinal and transverse directions is due to the gratings and defects. The 2DBG lasers are promising candidates for single-mode, high power, and high efficiency large-area lasers.     

飞秒激光与透明介质的相互作用

随着飞秒(1fs=1×10-15s)激光技术的不断成熟,飞秒激光器不但在实验室能产生小于10fs的光脉冲,啁啾放大后的飞秒光脉冲的聚焦峰值功率密度可达到1021W/cm2以上,而且飞秒激光系统已实现全固体、小型化结构,其稳定性和可靠性大大提高,因此在科学技术研究中的应用越来越广.文章重点介绍飞秒激光的主要特性和它与透明介质[如熔融石英、光学玻璃、对激光透明的高分子聚合物(PMMA)等]的相互作用过程,分析它们之间的非线性相互作用过程引起的材料特性或结构变化的物理机制和可能的应用,尤其在高密度大容量三维存储和微光子器件制造等方面的应用可能性.     

飞秒激光在三维微细体系中的应用

飞秒激光的超快特性使其能以极低的脉冲能量获得超强光场,并且激光加照区淀积的能量能以通过热扩散途径逸出辐照区域,其与透明物质相互作用是通过双光子或多光子吸收过程实现,故作用区限域于焦点核心很小体积内,因而在三维微制备及生物医学领域有着独到优势。文章介绍了飞秒激光应用于微爆炸、高密度三维光学数据存储、直写光波导及三维光子晶体制备、生物医学工程等方面的最新进展。飞秒激光三维微制备技术在微电子、计算机、光通信、生物医学等高技术领域有着广阔的应用前景。     

Watt-level red-emitting diode lasers and modules for display applications

Red-emitting lasers for display applications require high output powers and a high visibility. We demonstrate diode lasers and modules in the red spectral range based on AlGaInP with optical output powers up to 1 W and a nearly diffraction limited beam. These high-luminance light sources based on tapered lasers are well suited for laser TVs and projectors for virtual reality simulators based on the flying spot technology. Additionally, we developed diode lasers with internal distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) surface gratings. These DBR tapered lasers and master-oscillator power-amplifiers based on DBR ridge-waveguide lasers and tapered amplifiers feature high power, single mode emission with coherence lengths up to several meters, which are suitable for the next-generation 3D displays based on holography.     

Tm3+/Yb3+共掺杂ZBLAN玻璃的多光子紫外上转换发光

利用光谱分析手段研究了熔融淬火法制备的Tm和Yb共掺杂的重金属氟化物玻璃ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF的上转换发光性质.在980 nm连续激光的激发下,观察到了较强的363 nm(1D2→3H6),347nm(1I6→3F4)和291 nm(1I6→3H6)的紫外上转换发光,以及中心位于454 nm,4...     

Development of Transmission Optics for High-Power TEA CO2 Lasers and Methods of Increasing Laser-Radiation Resistance of Materials for High-Power IR Optics

The results of analytical and experimental investigations aimed at increasing laser-radiation resistance of materials for IR optics and developing high-power optics for microsecond TEA CO₂ lasers with energy per pulse up to 12–25 kJ and gas-dynamic CO₂ lasers with energy per pulse up to 130 kJ are presented. It is demonstrated that the integrated approach that combines the improvement of already existing technological methods and the development of novel technological methods for refining the parameters of materials for transmission IR optics (including techniques of growth of single crystals, strain hardening, and laser, ionic, and chemical treatment), the design and optimization of optical units (including the development of segmented transmission optics, the improvement of optical schemes for spatial formation of laser beams, the use of fast-response physical effects to screen optical elements from high-power fluxes of laser radiation) is necessary to solve this problem.     

Hexagonal boron phosphide and boron arsenide van der Waals heterostructure as high-efficiency solar cell

The rapid development of two-dimensional (2D) materials offers new opportunities for 2D ultra-thin excitonic solar cells (XSCs). The construction of van der Waals heterostructure (vdWH) is a recognised and effective method of integrating the properties of single-layer 2D materials, creating particularly superior performance. Here, the prospects of h-BP/h-BAs vdW heterostructures in 2D excitonic solar cells are assessed. We systematically investigate the electronic properties and optical properties of heterogeneous structures by using the density functional theory (DFT) and first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the heterogeneous structure has good optoelectronic properties, such as a suitable direct bandgap and excellent optical absorption properties. The calculation of the phonon spectrum also confirms the well-defined kinetic stability of the heterstructure. We design the heterogeneous structure as a model for solar cells, and calculate its solar cell power conversion efficiency which reaches up to 16.51% and is higher than the highest efficiency reported in organic solar cells (11.7%). Our work illustrates the potential of h-BP/h-BAs heterostructure as a candidate for high-efficiency 2D excitonic solar cells.     

碟型量子阱微腔激光器的低阈值激射

利用反应离子刻蚀(RIE)和湿法腐蚀方法在InGaAs/InGaAsP多量子阱材料上研制出直径为8μm、4.5μm和2μm的碟型半导体微腔激光器。其中2μm直径的微碟在液氮温度下其光泵浦激射阈值仅为3μW左右。对高光功率密度下泵浦时出现的多模激射、跳模和激射光谱强度饱和现象进行了研究。并对微碟激光器的激射光谱线宽特性进行了初步的分析。     

Phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography at up to 370,000 lines per second using buffered Fourier domain mode-locked lasers

Buffered Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) lasers are demonstrated for dynamic phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and 3D OCT phase microscopy. Systems are operated at sweep speeds of 42, 117, and 370 kHz, and displacement sensitivities of 39, 52, and 102 pm are achieved, respectively. Sensitivities are comparable to spectrometer-based OCT phase microscopy systems, but much faster acquisition speeds are possible. An additional factor of sqrt 2 improvement in noise performance is observed for differential phase measurements, which is important for Doppler OCT. Dynamic measurements of piezoelectric transducer motion and static 3D OCT phase microscopy are demonstrated. Buffered FDML lasers provide excellent displacement sensitivities at extremely high sweep speeds.     

20 W of continuous-wave sodium D2 resonance radiation from sum-frequency generation with injection-locked lasers

A 20-W all-solid-state continuous-wave single-frequency source tuned to the sodium D2a line at 589.159 nm has been developed for adaptive optical systems. This source is based on sum-frequency mixing two injection-locked Nd:YAG lasers in lithium triborate in a doubly resonant external cavity. Injection locking the Nd:YAG lasers not only ensures single-frequency operation but also allows the use of a single rf local oscillator for Pound-Drever-Hall locking both the injection-slave and the sum-frequency cavities. We observe power-conversion efficiencies in excess of 55% and a linearly polarized diffraction-limited output tunable across the sodium D2 line (589.156 to 589.160 nm) with no change in output power and with high amplitude and pointing stability.     

Single‐mode distributed feedback laser operation with no dependence on the morphology of the gain medium

Organic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers can be useful photonic tools for biological applications where the roles of organic materials are important, because highly coherent single mode emission with broad tuning range can be obtained. However, the formulaic structures of organic lasers, and the uses of gain media as resonators themselves, are not suitable for inducing laser emission from irregular shaped gain media, such as dye‐staining cells and tissues. Here, we report a reusable photonic template comprising an exceedingly thin and discrete titanium dioxide (TiO₂) layer on a one‐dimensional (1D) quartz grating to induce single mode DFB lasing from a variety of states of optical gain media. Using the same template, the external gain media of optically thick and thin casted film, liquid, and a free‐standing thick film reveal single mode lasing with reliable performance. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the 25‐nm thick TiO₂ disconnected grating lines support a spatially confined DFB mode in the vertical direction, even under no index difference between superstrate and substrate. Additionally, not using the typical waveguide gain layer promises high sensitivity and detection limit in refractometric sensing. These results suggest that the photonic structure may serve as a versatile sensing platform for bioapplications.     

SiP monolayers: New 2D structures of group IV–V compounds for visible-light photohydrolytic catalysts

Because of graphene and phosphorene, two-dimensional (2D) layered materials of group IV and group V elements arouse great interest. However, group IV–V monolayers have not received due attention. In this work, three types of SiP monolayers were computationally designed to explore their electronic structure and optical properties. Computations confirm the stability of these monolayers, which are all indirect-bandgap semiconductors with bandgaps in the range 1.38–2.21 eV. The bandgaps straddle the redox potentials of water at pH = 0, indicating the potential of the monolayers for use as watersplitting photocatalysts. The computed optical properties demonstrate that certain monolayers of SiP 2D materials are absorbers of visible light and would serve as good candidates for optoelectronic devices.     

条形半导体激光器光束质量因子M2的理论计算

通过一个二维半矢量模型求得纯折射率导引脊形波导和掩埋波导这两种常见平面条形半导体激光器波导结构的模式光场分布，现通过描述光束传播的非傍轴矢量二阶矩，通过平面波谱的方法获得激光器出射光束在横向和侧向上的束腰、远场发散角和M^2因子。讨论了波导结构参量变化对M^2因子的影响，并对两种波导结构光束的性质与波导参量的关系进行了比较。     

基于人造金刚石晶体的拉曼激光器研究进展

受激拉曼散射是一种重要的非线性光学频率变换技术,在拓展激光波段方面有十分广泛的应用前景。因此,寻找具有优良光学性质的拉曼介质,提高拉曼激光器性能,具有重要的研究价值。相比于传统的固体拉曼晶体,人造金刚石晶体具有拉曼增益系数大、拉曼频移大、导热率高和透过性好等显著优点,基于人造金刚石晶体的拉曼激光器能够获得更高的输出功率和转换效率。本文简要介绍了化学气相沉积法(CVD)制备的金刚石晶体的光学性质和热学特性,总结了基于人造金刚石晶体的拉曼激光器在紫外波段、可见光波段及红外波段的研究现状,并对其发展进行了展望。     

基于透明陶瓷材料的激光研究进展

陶瓷激光器是一种以透明陶瓷材料作为增益介质的激光器。与单晶相比,透明陶瓷具有制备周期短和烧结温度低等优势,在激活离子高掺杂浓度下能保证良好的光学均匀性,且容易制备成各种大尺寸复合结构。近年在高功率和超短超强激光输出方面得到广泛应用,产生了一系列研究成果。回顾了陶瓷激光器的发展历程,总结了透明陶瓷在高功率、超短超强脉冲激光输出和特殊波长激光输出等方面的最新进展,并阐述了基于陶瓷制备优势的新型激光材料的发展趋势。     

Broadband Hybridly Polarized Vector Vortex Raman Microchip Laser

Hybridly polarized (HP) vector vortex Raman lasers dramatically extend their applications on optical microscopy, optical communication, and quantum information. Spatial light modulators and waveplates are widely used for generating HP vector vortex lasers, however, the performance and beam quality of HP vector vortex lasers are restricted by diffraction loss and low damage threshold of these optical elements. Here, HP vector vortex Raman microchip lasers constructed with Yb³⁺:Y₃Al₅O₁₂ (Yb:YAG) and vanadate (YVO₄) crystals is demonstrated. The states of polarization (SoP) of HP vector vortex lasers are combination of radial and anti-radial polarizations (RP-ARP), azimuthal and anti-azimuthal polarizations (AP-AAP). The SoP of HP vector vortex lasers can be controlled by adjusting the length of YVO₄ crystal and applying pump power. Maximum output powers are 456 and 586 mW with optical efficiency of 7.1% and 9.2% for HP vector vortex lasers with SoP of RP-ARP and AP-AAP. The HP vector vortex Raman lasers with SoP of RP-ARP and AP-AAP oscillate ≈1076 nm with bandwidths of 11.4 and 10.8 nm. High beam quality is achieved for HP vector vortex lasers with measured M² nearly equal to theoretical value. The broadband HP vector vortex Raman lasers with high beam quality extend applications on optical trapping, and quantum information processing.