Self-$Q$-switched photonic-crystal lasers with band-edge frequency gradation

Abstract

We propose a photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser with band-edge frequency gradation, which induces self-$Q$-switching operation without saturable absorbers. We experimentally demonstrate self-pulsation with a record-high peak power of > 80 W and a short pulse width of <30 ps in a 1-mm-diameter device.