Open AccessParity time-symmetric vertical cavities: intrinsically single-mode regime in longitudinal direction
Author(s) -
H. F. Jones,
Mykola Kulishov,
Bernard C. Kress
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.017125
Subject(s) - lasing threshold , optics , physics , parity (physics) , longitudinal mode , helmholtz equation , coupled mode theory , wavelength , refractive index , quantum mechanics , boundary value problem
We explore a new class of distributed feedback (DFB) structures that employ the recently-developed concept of parity-time (PT) symmetry in optics. We show that, based on PT-symmetric pure reflective volume gratings, a vertical surface-emitting cavity can be constructed. We provide a detailed analysis of the threshold conditions as well as the wavelength and angular spectral characteristics using the Kogelnik coupled-wave approximation, backed up by an exact solution of the Helmholtz equation. We show that such a PT-symmetric cavity can be configured to support one and only one longitudinal mode, leading to inherently single-mode lasing.