Laser emission from quantum dots in microdisk structures

We report optically pumped continuous-wave lasing from self-assembled InAs and InGaAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in high-quality-factor microdisk laser structures. The microdisk emission spectra show lasing on 1-5 well separated modes in the wavelength range between 900 and 990 nm. The estimated threshold pump densities are between 20 and 200 W/cm(2). The lasing characteristics are discussed in terms of both inhomogeneously and homogeneously broadened QD transitions. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(00)04928-7].