Selective enhancement of mid-ir quantum dot electroluminescent emissions using defect mode photonic crystal cavities

Abstract

This paper concentrates on another application of photonic crystals: It shows photonic crystals can be used to selectively enhance and modify the light spectra of InAs self assembled quantum dot (SAQD) emissions in mid-IR wavelengths. Quantum dots, when used as light sources, offer unique advantages. It is therefore possible to develop new devices based solely on this property of SAQD based light sources. Before SAQD light sources could be used, however, improvements must be made on their emission spectra, which is rather broad (approximately 24 THz in our case) due to inhomogeneous broadening in SAQD energy levels. The purpose of this work is to theoretically investigate interactions between a photonic crystal and a light source placed into a central defect cavity. The photonic crystal serves to confine lateral propagation of light, which in turn interacts strongly with the central cavity and modifies emission characteristics of the light source.