An Overview on the Polariton Laser

Abstract

A polariton laser is a novel type of laser source that uses the coherent nature of Bose condensates of exciton-polaritons in semiconductors to produce ultra-low threshold lasing.[22] In 1996, Imamoglu et al. introduced a novel type of coherent light source and explained the concept [23] with an effect closely related to Bose-Einstein condensation of atoms: A vast number of bosonic particles, in this case polaritons, condense in a macroscopically inhabited quantum state through induced scattering. In conclusion, the polariton condensate emits coherent light. It is a coherent light source with a unique working mechanism, unlike conventional laser systems. The principle of a polariton laser offers a more energy-efficient laser operation. The typical semiconductor structure for such a laser consists of an optical microcavity surrounded by scattered Bragg reflectors. [23]

Introduction

A laser is a device that emits coherent light through the process of stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. The term LASER originally stood for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The first working laser was built in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, based on theoretical work by Charles H. Townes and Arthur L. Schawlow.

Lasers are unique because they produce light that is highly directional, monochromatic, and coherent. Due to spatial coherence, laser beams can be focused into very small spots and remain narrow over long distances, making them useful in applications like cutting, welding, lithography, lidar, and laser pointers. Temporal coherence allows lasers to produce either very narrow frequency light or extremely short pulses (femtoseconds).

Lasers have wide applications in industry, medicine, communication, science, entertainment, and defense, including laser printers, barcode scanners, fiber-optic communication, photolithography, laser surgery, and automobile headlamps. Devices operating at microwave frequencies are called masers, while those at higher frequencies (infrared to gamma rays) are called lasers.

The development of lasers is rooted in Einstein’s 1916 theory of stimulated emission. The first practical device was the maser, developed by Townes, Basov, and Prokhorov (Nobel Prize, 1964). This work led to optical lasers, including the ruby laser, gas lasers, and semiconductor lasers.

Laser operation is based on quantum energy levels. Atoms are excited by pumping energy, creating a population inversion, which allows stimulated emission to dominate. Practical lasers use three-level or four-level systems, with four-level lasers capable of continuous operation.

A laser system consists of a gain medium, an energy pump, and an optical resonator (mirrors). These components determine key laser properties such as beam coherence, wavelength, divergence, and power. Lasers can operate in continuous-wave or pulsed modes, with powers ranging from microwatts to extremely high peak powers in ultrashort pulses.

The text also discusses advanced laser types, including the polariton laser, which operates with very low thresholds by using exciton-polaritons and principles related to Bose–Einstein condensation. Recent advances have demonstrated electrically pumped polariton lasers, including operation at room temperature, promising highly energy-efficient future laser technologies.

Conclusion

A polariton laser is a new kind of laser source that creates ultra-low threshold lasing by taking advantage of the coherent nature of Bose condensates of exciton-polaritons in semiconductors.[22]Imamoglu et al. presented a new kind of coherent light source in 1996 and described the idea [23] using an effect that was closely associated with Bose-Einstein condensation of atoms:Through induced scattering, a large number of bosonic particles, in this case polaritons, condense in a macroscopically inhabited quantum state. To sum up, coherent light is emitted by the polariton condensate. Unlike traditional laser systems, it has a distinct functioning mechanism and is a coherent light source. A more energy-efficient laser operation is provided by the polariton laser principle.An optical microcavity encircled by dispersed Bragg reflectors makes up the conventional semiconductor construction for such a laser. [23]

References

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