Demonstration of a White Laser with V2C MXene-Based Quantum Dots

Multicolor photoluminescence over the full visible color spectrum is critical in many modern science and techniques, such as full-color lighting, displays, biological and chemical monitoring, multiband communication, etc., but the ultimate white lasing especially on the nanoscale is still a challenge due to its exacting requirements in the balance of the gain and optical feedback at different wavelengths. Recently, 2D transition metal carbides (MXenes) have emerged, with some superior chemical, physical, and environmental properties distinguishing them from traditional 2D materials. Here, a white laser with V2C MXene quantum dots (MQDs) is originally demonstrated by constructing a broadband nonlinear random scattering system with enhanced gain. The excitation-dependent photoluminescence of V2C MQDs is enhanced by passivation and characterized, and their localized nonlinear random scattering is realized by the generation of excitation-power-dependent solvent bubbles. With the optimized excitation, the blue, green, yellow, and red light is amplified and simultaneously lased. This work not only provides a kind of promising material for white lasers, but also a design strategy of novel photonics for further applications.