Dual-wavelength switchable single-mode lasing from a lanthanide-doped resonator

The development of multi-wavelength lasing, particularly with the wavelength tuning in a wide spectral range, is challenging but highly desirable for integrated photonic devices due to its dynamic switching functionality, high spectral purity and contrast. Here, we propose a general strategy, that relies on the simultaneous design on the electronic states and the optical states, to demonstrate dynamically switchable single-mode lasing spanning beyond the record range (300 nm). This is achieved through integrating the reversely designed nanocrystals with two size-mismatched coupled microcavities. We show an experimental validation of a crosstalk-free violet-to-red single-mode behavior through collective control of asymmetric excitation and excitation wavelength. The single-mode action persists for a wide power range, and presents significant enhancement when compared with that in the microdisk laser. These findings enlighten the reverse design of luminescent materials. Given the remarkable doping flexibility, our results may create new opportunities in a variety of frontier applications. Dual-wavelength lasers are gaining importance for photonic applications. In this work the authors demonstrate that by incorporating a lanthanidedoped material into the size-mismatched coupled microcavities, it is possible to achieve laser switch with high uniformity, long-term stability, and an extremely wide spectral range up to 300 nm

Automated summary

In this study, a general strategy based on the simultaneous design of electronic and optical states is proposed to achieve dynamically switchable single-mode lasing. By integrating reversely designed nanocrystals with size-mismatched coupled microcavities, a crosstalk-free violet-to-red single-mode behavior is experimentally demonstrated. This research provides insights into the reverse design of luminescent materials and opens up new opportunities for frontier applications.