Abstract

In photonic crystals the density of electromagnetic modes is strongly modified as compared to the free space case. A variety of laser geometries, such as DFB, DBR and microcavities utilize structures with a one-dimensional periodic modulation of the refractive index (1D photonic crystals). More recent approaches towards low threshold solid state lasers are based on two-dimensional photonic bandstructures (2D-PBS). Stimulated emission and optically pumped lasing action has been observed for a variety of organic electroluminescent materials like e.g. conjugated polymers. Due to their high optical gain and the ease of fabrication organic solid state laser materials are well suited as active media in photonic crystal lasers.

© 2000 IEEE