Metallic subwavelength-cavity semiconductor nanolasers

Miniaturization has been an everlasting theme in the development of semiconductor lasers. One important breakthrough in this process in recent years is the use of metal-dielectric composite structures that made truly subwavelength lasers possible. Many different designs of metallic cavity semiconductor nanolasers have been proposed and demonstrated. In this article, we will review some of the most exciting progresses in this newly emerging field. In particular, we will focus on metallic-cavity nanolasers with volume smaller than wavelength cubed under electrical injection with emphasis on high-temperature operation. Such devices will serve as an important component in the future integrated nanophotonic systems due to its ultra-small size.