Switchable whispering gallery mode lasing via phase transition

Combining phase-transition materials with optical micro -cavities may advance the applications of whispering-gallery mode (WGM) lasing in performance customization, sens-ing, and optical switching. In this study, switchable WGM lasing based on phase transition is reported. The device is designed by introducing the phase-transition hydrogel into the capillary microcavity. After approaching the phase -transition point in hydrogel, the number of WGM lasing modes decreases sharply with a significant blueshift in the wavelength. The phenomenon is caused by the increase in light scattering and decrease in effective refractive index of the device. Furthermore, single-mode lasing is obtained by manipulating the phase transition, which exhibits superior reversibility. This study may pave the way for designing and multifunctioning of novel WGM lasing in photonic devices.(c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group

Automated summary

This study reports a switchable WGM lasing device based on phase transition, where the number of WGM lasing modes can be controlled and single-mode lasing can be achieved by manipulating the phase transition. This research has significant potential for various applications.