Facile production of up-converted quantum dot lasers

Abstract

We report a facile production of an up-converted surface-emitting DFB laser, performed by exploiting the versatility of sol–gel chemistry, the intriguing properties of well designed graded CdSe–CdS–Cd_0.5Zn_0.5S–ZnS colloidal quantum dots, and the scalability of nanoimprinting. Our laser prototype operates in the visible region following efficient optical pumping by either direct one-photon excitation or through the up-conversion of near infrared (NIR) light. By achieving cavity mode Q-factors in excess of 650 and retaining high lasing stabilities in air, this work highlights the feasibility of creating integrated lasing devices through solution based methods.