Low Threshold Full-Color Upconversion Lasers in Nanocrystal-Glass Microspheres
Author Information
Author(s): Gao Zhigang, Cui Lugui, Chu Yushi, Niu Luyue, Wang Lehan, Zhao Rui, Yang Yulong, Liu Xiaofeng, Ren Jing, Dong Guoping
Hypothesis
Can rare-earth activated nanocrystal-in-glass microspheres achieve low-threshold upconversion lasing at room temperature?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that nanocrystal-in-glass microspheres can achieve efficient upconversion lasing with significantly reduced thresholds and enhanced efficiency.
Supporting Evidence
- The microspheres exhibited a high Q factor (≥105), comparable to conventional glass microspheres.
- Upconversion lasing with pure RGB emissions was achieved using a tapered fiber-microsphere system.
- The lasing threshold was reduced by 45% and slope efficiency increased by more than four times.
- The long-term stability of the microlasers was verified over a duration of more than 6 hours under continuous pumping.
Takeaway
Scientists made tiny glass balls that can change infrared light into red, green, and blue light, which could be used for cool new lasers that don't need much power.
Methodology
The microspheres were fabricated by melting glass powders and thermally treating them to grow nanocrystals, followed by testing their lasing performance.
Limitations
The long-term stability of the lasing performance under harsh environments remains a concern.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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