Quasi-three-dimensional frequency-domain modeling to study size limitations of quantum-dot microdisk lasers

• Published in: Optics communications Vol. 283; no. 20; pp. 4046 - 4053
• Main Authors: Solis-Trapala, K., Smink, R.W., Molina-Vazquez, J., de Hon, B.P., Tijhuis, A.G., Dorren, H.J.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.10.2010
• Subjects: Electromagnetic fields; Frequency-domain modeling; Holes; Indium phosphides; Lasers; Lasing; Microdisk laser; Performance evaluation; Propagation; Quality-factor ( Q-factor); Quantum dots; Qunatum dots; Wavelengths; Frequency-domain modeling; Microdisk laser; Quality-factor ( Q-factor); Quantum dots
• ISSN: 0030-4018; 1873-0310
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optcom.2010.05.080

We propose a quasi-three-dimensional frequency-domain model to investigate the lasing modes of an InGaAsP/InP quantum-dot microdisk laser. The model requires a complex susceptibility to solve the electromagnetic fields of the microdisk laser. We use the model to investigate the size limitations of the quantum-dot laser by evaluating its performance through the cavity quality-factor ( Q-factor), from which the linewidth can be inferred. We find that higher order modes with high Q-factors (∼ 2.4 × 10 4) and consequently narrow linewidths (∼ 65 pm) propagating in the 1.5 μm wavelength region can be sustained in a microdisk laser with a radius as small as 1.6 μm and a thickness of 200 nm. Our model can be used to study other types of microdisks provided that the susceptibility of the medium is known.