Plasmon lasers: coherent nanoscopic light sources

Abstract

Plasmon lasers are a new class of coherent light sources that use metals for light localization and amplification. Access to this confined light that couples to the oscillating electrons of metal enables reducing the physical size and mode volume of the laser much below the diffraction limit. The race to demonstrate new plasmon nanolasers has enabled considerable progress over the last several years regarding nanocavity design, operating temperature, pumping conditions, and material efficiency of both plasmonic nanocavity and gain medium. This article discusses some of the latest developments of coherent nanoscopic light sources, in metallic and dielectric lasers, with a specific focus on plasmon nanolasers. We highlight recent advances in plasmon lasers through plasmonic nanoparticle arrays: beam directionality, wavelength tunability, multi-modal emission, and dark and bright modes lasing. We also discuss future prospects.