The physics and applications of random lasers

Year: 2008

Authors: Wiersma D.

Autors Affiliation: European Lab Nonlinear Spectroscopy LENS, I-50019 Florence, Italy and INFM, BEC, I-50019 Florence, Italy

Abstract: Recent developments in the field of micro and nanophotonics have shown that it is possible to make use of the intrinsic disorder in photonic materials to create useful optical structures. An example is that of a random laser, in which laser action is obtained in disordered structures such as powders and porous glasses. Although these materials are easy to fabricate, it is only recently that researchers have started to fully understand the rich and complex physical processes that take place in amplifying disordered systems. Here, I will give an overview of the various recent results and discuss the physical picture that has now emerged. I will also discuss possible applications of this new type of disorder-based laser light source.

Journal/Review: NATURE PHYSICS

Volume: 4 (5)      Pages from: 359  to: 367

KeyWords: strongly scattering media; spontaneus emission; classical diffusion; disordered medium; localization
DOI: 10.1038/nphys971

Citations: 1311
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