Abstract
Lasing requires an active gain medium and a feedback mechanism. In conventional lasers the feedback is provided externally, e.g. by mirrors. An alternate approach is through Bloch waves in photonic crystals composed of periodic dielectric materials in which propagation of light in certain frequency ranges, known as photonic bandgaps, is forbidden. Compared to periodic crystals, quasicrystals have higher symmetry and are more favorable for the formation of photonic bandgaps. Hence quasicrystals are more efficient in providing the feedback mechanism for lasing. Here we report observation of lasing at visible wavelengths from dye-doped three-dimensional icosahedral quasicrystals fabricated in dichromate gelatin emulsions using a novel seven-beam optical interference holographic method. Multi-directional lasing exhibiting the icosahedral symmetry was observed. The lasing modes and pattern were explained by using the lasing condition expressed in the reciprocal lattice space of the icosahedral quasicrystal.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.