Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date ....Low threshold photonic crystal microlasers. The aims of this project are to develop detailed finite-difference time-domain numerical models of active photonic crystal structures, and to use them to optimise the design and performance of photonic-crystal-based devices, especially micro-cavity lasers. Photonic crystal microlasers have the potential to provide very efficient and low noise laser sources in micron-sized cavities, however the simplistic structures used to realise these lasers to date provide sub-optimal performance. Innovative designs with improved performance will be developed by tailoring both the optical and thermal properties of planar photonic crystal stuctures. Devices designed during this project will subsequently be fabricated at facilities in France.Read moreRead less
Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: p ....Light-Matter Interactions In Nanoparticle-doped Microstructured Polymer Fibres. Microstructured optical fibres have been defined as the 'next generation' of optical fibres. This proposal offers the opportunity to make major advances in this dynamic new area, not only changing the fibre properties by means of its microstructured but also by its material properties. The proposed research will enable us to fabricate new types of optical fibre by exploiting three completely different technologies: polymer materials, microstructured polymer fibres (mPOF) and nanoparticles. This project will build on our existing success in developing mPOF, and create major new opportunities, both in fundamental science and in applications that could and would be commercialised.Read moreRead less