Laser Spectrum Research Articles

Protein-based microlasers: continuous transition from whispering gallery mode to random lasing

Abstract Whispering gallery mode (WGM) and random biolasers are important for bio-integration and biosensing applications due to their biocompatibility. However, these two laser types typically require different fabrication techniques, and limited research has explored transitioning between them using the same fabrication process. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation into the transition from WGM to random lasing in protein-based microsphere lasers. Through a dehydration method, we can fabricate dye-doped protein microspheres with diameters ranging from 20 to 150 µm. By varying the polystyrene (PS) particle concentration within these microspheres, we observed a continuous transition from WGM to random lasing under optical pumping, driven by enhanced light scattering as PS concentration increased. Key lasing parameters, including the lasing spectrum and lasing threshold versus laser size and PS concentration, were analyzed and compared. The results indicate that microsphere random lasers (RLs) exhibit shorter lasing wavelengths. Particularly, a 63 µm WGM laser has a central lasing wavelength at 630 nm, while a RL of similar size shows a peak wavelength at 590 nm, a 40 nm blue shift. The lasing threshold increases with smaller laser size and higher PS concentration, with WGM lasers requiring several µJ mm−2, potentially ten times lower than RLs. Our work opens the possibility of designing flexible, wavelength-tunable biological microlasers. Moreover, it provides an understanding of the distinct characteristics of WGM and random lasing, making a meaningful contribution to laser research.

Broadband negative refraction based on a pair of anti-parity-time structures

Abstract An anti-parity-time(A-PT) symmetric system, of which the refractive index satisfies n( - x) = - n*(x), can present intriguing scattering properties like continuous coherent perfect absorption(CPA) spectrum and laser spectrum, which are symmetric to each other in the parameter space. In this work, an acoustic parity-time(PT) symmetric system consisting of two A-PT symmetric structures is introduced to realize a broadband negative refraction. When the two A-PT symmetric structures are at their CPA mode and laser mode respectively, the PT symmetric system can display its unidirectional negative refraction property. As the two A-PT structures we design here have a broadband CPA and laser modes, the PT symmetric negative refraction system would be broadband. Besides, the exceptional point(EP) of the proposed PT-symmetric system corresponds to the CPA point and laser point of its two components, and it's unidirectionally transparent on broadband as well.

Protein-based microlasers: Continuous transition from whispering gallery mode to random lasing

Abstract Whispering gallery mode (WGM) and random biolasers are important for bio-integration and biosensing applications due to their biocompatibility. However, these two laser types typically require different fabrication techniques, and limited research has explored transitioning between them using the same fabrication process. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation into the transition from WGM to random lasing in protein-based microsphere lasers. Through a dehydration method, we can fabricate dye-doped protein microspheres with diameters ranging from 20 to 150 µm. By varying the polystyrene (PS) particle concentration within these microspheres, we observed a continuous transition from WGM to random lasing under optical pumping, driven by enhanced light scattering as PS concentration increased. Key lasing parameters, including the lasing spectrum and lasing threshold versus laser size and PS concentration, were analyzed and compared. The results indicate that smaller microsphere lasers exhibit shorter lasing wavelengths. Particularly, a 63 µm WGM laser has a central lasing wavelength at 630 nm, while a random laser of similar size shows a peak wavelength at 590 nm, a 40 nm blue shift. The lasing threshold increases with smaller laser size and higher PS concentration, with WGM lasers requiring several µJ mm⁻², potentially ten times lower than random lasers. Our work opens the possibility of designing flexible, wavelength-tunable biological microlasers. Moreover, it provides an understanding of the distinct characteristics of WGM and random lasing, making a meaningful contribution to laser research.

Mitigation of thermal artifacts in 100kHz ultrafast 2D IR spectroscopy.

Ytterbium lasers make possible shot-to-shot data collection of two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectra at 100kHz and higher repetition rates. At those rates, the power absorbed by the sample is appreciable and creates a steady state temperature rise and an accumulated thermal grating artifact in the spectra that can obscure weak or low concentration IR chromophores. We report the magnitude of the temperature rise, the pulse ordering by which it is created, and ways to mitigate it. Using a calibrant molecule, we measured a steady-state temperature up to 32.5 and 45 °C for laser light at 4 µm in H2O and 6 µm in D2O, respectively, for a typical optical density used in 2D IR experiments. The temperature reached a steady state in ∼60s. The temperature rise scales with the integrated optical density of the sample across the laser spectrum. By cooling the sample cell, we returned the steady state temperature to room temperature within the laser focus. For samples that undergo rotation, the accumulated thermal grating artifact is removed using a perpendicular ⟨XXYY⟩ polarization because the permuted time-orderings of the thermal grating artifact has the orientational response ⟨XYXY⟩, which decays to zero during the delay between consecutive laser pulses. The procedure described in this study can be used to characterize and minimize the thermal effects in experiments where repetition rate and/or pulse energy cause an appreciable temperature rise.

Modulation of surface plasmon polariton lasing modes via nanowire-metal contact distance and area

This study employs numerical simulations to investigate the impact of different nanowire-metal contact configurations on a CH3NH3PbBr3 nanowire laser positioned on a silver film. The results reveal that increasing the contact distance decreases the local electric field and shortens the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) laser wavelength. Conversely, a greater overlap between the nanowire and the metal results in a longer SPP laser wavelength. Notably, when the metal sheet is centrally aligned with the nanowire, the laser spectrum generally shifts to shorter wavelengths, except at node number 2. These findings provide valuable design insights for optimizing nanowire lasers in optoelectronic applications.

Mid-infrared pulsed fiber laser source at 4.3 µm based on a CO2-filled anti-resonant hollow-core silica fiber

Fiber lasers in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) band are of great interest due to their wide range of applications such as manufacturing, defense, spectroscopy, and free-space communication. Due to the immaturity of the soft glass fiber fabrication technology and the limitation of the type of doped rare earth, laser power scaling and wavelength expansion above 4 µm are greatly limited. Lasers based on gas-filled hollow-core fibers (HCFs) have proved to be an effective way of generating mid-IR lasers. We demonstrate a pulsed 4.3 µm laser source based on a CO2-filled HCF for the first time. The pulse energy characteristics and output spectrum of the mid-IR laser have been investigated. The maximum pulse energy of the mid-IR laser is 236 nJ. The maximum average power of the mid-IR laser is 297.8 mW with a slope efficiency of 17.3%. A step-tunable mid-IR output is achieved from 4293.718 nm to 4392.085 nm including 8 emission lines. Furthermore, the time-domain and frequency-domain properties of the mid-IR laser have been studied to understand laser operation better. This work has an important reference value for the development of pulsed mid-IR fiber gas laser sources.

Ultra‐Broadband Visible‐DUV Supercontinuum Generation by Non‐Resonant Coherent Raman Scattering in Air

AbstractTo date, supercontinuum light in the visible and near‐infrared ranges is readily realizable by the optical Kerr effect through self‐phase modulation of ultrashort laser pulses in transparent media. However, it is still a challenge to extend the supercontinuum spectrum down to the deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) range, which is particularly needed for exploring ultrafast dynamics in chemistry, materials, and biology. Here, an approach of non‐resonant coherent Raman scattering is developed to generate ultra‐broadband visible‐DUV supercontinuum in ambient air with a spectral range spanning over 250 nm and a wavelength down to 220 nm. A rovibrational coherence is established in air molecules by filamentation of a near‐infrared femtosecond 800 nm pulse and two femtosecond Raman laser pulses at 267 and 400 nm are introduced into the coherent media to induce non‐resonant coherent Stokes and anti‐Stokes Raman scatterings, which serve as the spectral bridges to link the neighboring Raman pump laser spectra, resulting in ultra‐broadband supercontinuum light. The mechanism is further verified by examining the broadening of picosecond N2+ laser lines with narrow bandwidths (10–30 cm−1), which forms a supercontinuum spectrum spanning over 150 nm. The work provides a viable route for the establishment of coherent DUV supercontinuum in the gas media at designed wavelength ranges.

Visible color camouflage and infrared, laser band stealth, compatible with dual-band radiative heat dissipation

Infrared stealth technology garners significant attention due to its value in military applications. With the rise of multi-band detection technologies, the infrared stealth target is easily detected. Therefore, it is urgent to study multi-band camouflage devices. Here, this paper proposes a multi-band camouflage device composed of ZnS, Ge, TiO2, crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5 (cGST) and Ag multilayer films, which can realize multi-band camouflage across visible, mid-wave infrared (MWIR, ε3∼5 μm = 0.22), long-wave infrared (LWIR, ε8∼14 μm = 0.16), and laser (R1.06 μm = 0.01) spectra. In addition, effective radiative heat dissipation was realized in two non-atmospheric transparent windows (ε2.5–3 μm = 0.51 and ε5∼8 μm = 0.65). Among them, visible camouflage in different background environments can be realized independently by adjusting the thickness of the ZnS film to produce different structural colors. Notably, this emissivity spectrum remains robust even as the incident angle increases to 60°. These results can guarantee the realization of multi-band infrared camouflage, laser camouflage and radiation heat dissipation. This study not only addresses high-efficiency infrared camouflage and thermal management but also achieves outstanding visible and laser camouflage performance, offering a comprehensive guidance for advancing multi-band camouflage technology.

Exploring statistical complexity and enabling speckle-free imaging with Dye-Kaolinite colloidal random lasers

This article extends our previous investigation into random lasers (RLs), focusing on the incorporation of Rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye in methanol with Kaolinite nanoclay scatterers as a disordered active medium for colloidal RLs. Building upon the prior exploration, which specifically focused on understanding the performance dependence related to the concentration of gain medium and scatterers, this report takes a closer look. It conducts a thorough statistical analysis of the incoherent dye-Kaolinite random lasing spectra, particularly in the context of replica symmetry breaking (RSB) and Lévy statistics. This study highlights that RSB is observed around the threshold energy and can serve as an indicator of the threshold. Gaussian distribution prevailed below, near, and far above the lasing threshold estimated from the levy (α) exponent, suggesting the absence of Lévy flight behavior. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficients (PCC) were used to quantify the correlation between intensity fluctuations at different wavelengths, with the results visually represented by heatmaps. Furthermore, the random lasing output is utilized to achieve speckle-free imaging.

A rapid method for measuring the rock brittleness index: Rapid characterization of rock brittleness based on LIBS technology

The brittle index is a crucial indicator in the assessment of rockbursts. The mineral brittle index (MBI) is widely utilized due to its simplicity and accessibility. However, the lengthy and inefficient mineral composition testing cycle presents a significant challenge. A novel approach using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to rapidly convert spectral elements into minerals and measure the rock brittleness index was introduced in this paper. The laser spectra of metamorphic sandstone and granite were measured by LIBS, and some rock elements were tested by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to construct a spectral-elemental model. Furthermore, the mineral composition of the rocks was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Eight major elements, Si, Al, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Mg, and Ti, were selected as independent variables. Element-mineral correlation analysis was performed using centered log-ratio transformation (CLR) processing. A random forest regression (RF-R) element-mineral transformation model was established for rapid conversion of spectral-element-mineral brittle index. Finally, mechanical testing of rock embrittlement in the DJ Tunnel was conducted to verify the efficacy of MBI in characterizing rock embrittlement in the DJ Tunnel. The results demonstrate that predicted values of mineral compositions are in good agreement with experimental values and that predicted values of brittleness indices are also in good agreement with experimental values. The rapid and effective application of LIBS in determining rock mineral composition and rock brittleness index has been realised, which is of great significance for further realising the rapid assessment of rock brittleness and rockburst prediction at engineering sites.

Dynamic range limitations of non-coherent continous-wave THz photomixing systems with broadband detectors.

The dynamic range of non-coherent continuous-wave (CW) THz photomixing (PM) systems with broadband detectors can be significantly limited by various parasitic effects. Specifically, we examine the generation of parasitic (i) THz and (ii) IR radiation, and (iii) higher harmonics in CW THz PM emitters. (i) The parasitic broadband THz radiation, spanning from 100 to 250 GHz with a total output power of 20 nW, results from not perfectly clean laser spectra. As a result, for a frequency-flat Golay cell detector, the PM-system dynamic range is limited to 32.8 dB at 500 GHz, 26.7 dB at 1 THz, and 8.5 dB at 2.3 THz. In the case of detectors with a frequency-declining responsivity, the dynamic range can drop by ∼10 dB more. (ii) The IR radiation leaking from a PM emitter (≈20 μW) is sensitive to the PM emitter bias, which results in its modulation with an amplitude of about 1.3 μW, when a standard PM-emitter bias modulation is applied. The detected IR radiation could be confused for the THz signal. (iii) Parasitic generation of higher harmonics in PM systems can also limit the system's dynamic range or create spectral artifacts. However, we show that the harmonics are low at least at ∼1 THz and above. Specifically, they are less than 400 pW for fundamental frequencies above 750 GHz, which is more than 43 dB below the power of the fundamental harmonic. The above-stated values were obtained for a commonly-used PIN-diode photomixer mounted on a Si lens and 1.5 μm distributed-feedback lasers. In general, suppression of these parasitic signals is crucial for non-coherent CW THz PM systems.

A high-resolution spectroscopic technique for the analysis of the external quantum efficiency of a multimode semiconductor laser

The high-resolution emission spectra of a GaN-based semiconductor laser were utilized to investigate the external differential quantum efficiency variation with temperature and stability over an extended period of continuous operation time. Moreover, the dynamics and evolution of the optical gain and longitudinal modes emitted both below and above threshold current were also reported. Upon studying the L-I curves over the full range of operating current and temperature, three distinct temperature regimes of the quantum efficiency were identified, with the regime of the temperature range 285–301 K yielding the highest stability. The thermal stability of the laser was also assessed by monitoring the variation of threshold current with temperature.

Nanostructured LNTO saturable absorber for generating multi-wavelength laser in Q-switched EDFL

In this paper, we propose a new and efficient ferroelectric nanostructure metal oxide lithium niobate [(Li1.075Nb0.625Ti0.45O3), (LNTO)] solid film as a saturable absorber (SA) for modulating passive Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). The SA is fabricated as a nanocomposite solid film by the drop-casting process in which the LNTO is planted within polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene [P(VDF-TrFE)] as host copolymer. The optical and physical characteristics of the solid film are experimentally established. The SA is incorporated within the cavity of EDFL to examine its capability for producing multi-wavelength laser. The experimental results proved that a multi-wavelength laser is produced, where stable four lines with central wavelengths at 1529.5, 1530.5, 1531.5, and 1532 nm are observed on the laser spectrum at 157 mW pumped power. Furthermore, at maximum available pumped power (157 mW), laser pulses are running with a rate of 178 kHz and pulse width of 2.64 μs. The output power of 3.7 mW is attained at pumped power of 157 mW. The result proved that the LNTO-SA could be a potential candidate for generating multi-wavelength passive Q-switched fiber laser pulses.

Optimized terahertz generation in BNA organic crystals with chirped Ti:sapphire laser pulses.

We report on the efficient generation of intense terahertz radiation from the organic crystal N-benzyl-2-methyl-4-nitroaniline pumped by chirped Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser pulses. The THz energy and spectrum as a function of the pump fluence and duration of the chirped laser pulses are studied systematically. For the appropriate positively chirped pump pulses, a significant boost in the THz generation efficiency by a factor of around 2.5 is achieved, and the enhancement of high-frequency components (>1 THz) shortens the THz pulse duration. Via complete characterization of THz properties and transmitted laser spectra, this nonlinear behavior is attributed to the extended effective interaction length for phase matching as a result of the self-phase modulation of the intense pump laser pulses. Numerical calculations well reproduce the experimental observation. Our results demonstrate a robust, efficient, strong-field (up to several MV/cm) THz source using the common sub-10 mJ and sub-100 fs Ti:sapphire laser systems without optical parametric amplifiers.

Investigation on a high-quality health laser light source based on the age of lighting users.

The optimal laser spectrum for users of all ages is determined by considering the health implications of laser lighting across different age groups. We present a theoretical calculation model for age-related blue light hazard (BLH) and Circadian Action Factor (CAF), establishing optimization criteria that integrate visual and health factors. Health assessments of white laser light source spectra, obtained from the combination of RGB-LDs, were conducted using BLH and CAF at various illumination color temperatures. Based on our proposed comprehensive optimization criteria, white-light laser sources with high luminous efficacy (LER ≥ 330 lm/W), good color rendering (Ra ≥ 70), and color coordinates within the quadrangle region specified by the ANSI C78.377-2008 standard were obtained. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the personalized design and application of high-quality, healthy laser light sources for users of different ages.

High-Energy Injection-Seeded Single-Frequency Er:YAG Laser at 1645 nm Pumped by a 1532 nm Fiber Laser

A single-frequency, Q-switched Er:YAG laser, pumped by a 1532 nm fiber laser, has been demonstrated. At the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 200 Hz, the maximum single-frequency laser of 5.5 mJ is attained, and, correspondingly, the pulse width is 212 ns. Using the heterodyne technique, the single-frequency laser spectrum’s full width at half maximum is determined to be 2.73 MHz. The experimental results show that the single-frequency laser has excellent beam quality factors (M2) of 1.18 and 1.21.

Dual microwave frequency modulation of the VCSEL injection current for a CPT-based atomic clock.

Previously, we have proposed a method to control the emission spectrum of the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with the synchronized modulation of the injection current at single and doubled frequencies. In this work, the above method is used to improve the metrological characteristics of the coherent population trapping (CPT) resonance in 87Rb. The dual-frequency (DF) modulation reduces the carrier power and suppresses the light shift of the resonance frequency, if it is unattainable with the single-frequency modulation. In addition, a higher resonance contrast is achieved by equalizing the powers of the resonant components of the spectrum.

Atomic-level quantum well degradation of GaN-based laser diodes investigated by atom probe tomography

Gallium nitride (GaN)- based lasers are extensively employed in display, lighting, and communication applications due to their visible laser emission. Despite notable advancements in their performance and reliability, sustained device functionality over extended periods remains a challenge. Among the diverse mechanisms contributing to degradation, the deterioration of quantum wells poses a persistent obstacle. In this study, we investigated the atomic-level degradation of quantum wells within GaN-based laser diodes utilizing atom probe microscopy. Our analysis revealed a substantial increase in indium fluctuation, accompanied by the formation of indium protrusions at the quantum well interfaces, which provides a credible explanation for the observed increase in FWHM (full width at half maximum) of the spontaneous spectra of lasers following prolonged operation. Additionally, magnesium analysis yielded no evidence of diffusion into the quantum well region. Combined with prior studies, we attribute the degradation of quantum wells primarily to the formation of indium-related non-radiative recombination centers.

Controlling the spectral persistence of a random laser

Random lasers represent a relatively undemanding technology for generating laser radiation that displays unique characteristics of interest in sensing and imaging. Furthermore, they combine the classical laser’s nonlinear response with a naturally occurring multimode character and easy fabrication, explaining why they have been recently proposed as ideal elements for complex networks. The typical configuration of a random laser consists of a disordered distribution of scattering centers spatially mixed into the gain medium. When optically pumped, these devices exhibit spectral fluctuations from pulse to pulse or constant spectra, depending on the pumping conditions and sample properties. Here, we show clear experimental evidence of the transition from fluctuating (uncorrelated) to persistent random laser spectra, in devices in which the gain material is spatially separated from the scattering centers. We interpret these two regimes of operation in terms of the number of cavity round trips fitting in the pulse duration. Only if the cavity round-trip time is much smaller than the pulse duration are modes allowed to interact, compete for gain, and build a persisting spectrum. Surprisingly this persistence is achieved if the pumping pulse is long enough for radiation in the cavity to perform some 10 round trips. Coupled-mode theory simulations support the hypothesis. These results suggest an easy yet robust way to control mode stability in random lasers and open the pathway for miniaturized systems, as, for example, signal processing in complex random laser networks.

Simplifying tailored generation of complex structured femtosecond pulses with easily fabricated phase plates.

This article presents a novel approach to targeted 4f pulse shaping using phase plates fabricated by single-point diamond turning (SPDT) machining. The manufacturing of the phase plates using SPDT is versatile, cost-effective, fast, robust, and applicable across a wide range of optical materials, spanning from visible to far-infrared spectra (e.g., PMMA, ZnSe). Manufactured profiles can be used for phase manipulation and pulse structuring, analogously to programable spatial light modulators (SLM). We demonstrate that the pulse waveforms can be reproduced with high fidelity by simple simulations based on calculating optical path differences induced by the phase plate for each wavelength and taking into account the finite focal spot. The simulated and reconstructed frequency-resolved optical gating spectrograms featured G errors between 1-2% and intensity errors between 0.02-0.06. Even for complex structured pulses with the rms value of the time-bandwidth product reaching 12, our method maintains high precision, in some cases even reaching lower G error compared to simpler waveforms. Finally, we also show that the phase plate can be used to attain a set of uncorrelated pulse waveforms by moving the plate relatively to the dispersed laser spectrum. Overall, this approach bypasses common limitations associated with pulse shaping using SLMs, such as pixelation, pixel cross-talk, and spectral or laser fluences constraints.