Abstract
Optical vector vortex beams provide additional degrees of freedom for spatially distinguishable channels in data transmission. Although several coherent light sources carrying a topological singularity have been reported, it remains challenging to develop a general strategy for designing ultra-small, high-quality photonic nanocavities that generate and support optical vortex modes. Here we demonstrate wavelength-scale, low-threshold, vortex and anti-vortex nanolasers in a C5 symmetric optical cavity formed by a topological disclination. Various photonic disclination cavities are designed and analysed using the similarities between tight-binding models and optical simulations. Unique resonant modes are strongly confined in these cavities, which exhibit wavelength-scale mode volumes and retain topological charges in the disclination geometries. In the experiment, the optical vortices of the lasing modes are clearly identified by measuring polarization-resolved images, Stokes parameters and self-interference patterns. Demonstration of vortex nanolasers using our facile design procedure will pave the way towards next-generation optical communication systems.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 286-293 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Nature Photonics |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2024 Mar |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s) 2023.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics