{"title":"ZnO-based random lasing and their sensing applications: a mini-review","authors":"Abdullah Abdulhameed","doi":"10.1007/s13204-024-03059-6","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Random lasers operate without a traditional resonator cavity compared with traditional lasers, instead relying on multiple scattering events within a disordered medium to amplify light. Their emission spectrum and spatial characteristics are determined by the disorder within the medium rather than by specific resonant modes. ZnO nanostructures are ideal for random lasers due to their strong light emission properties and high refractive index, facilitating efficient light scattering and amplification within the disordered medium. Additionally, their wide bandgap and ability to support both optical and electrical pumping make them versatile for various laser applications. ZnO-based random lasers unlock a future beyond high-resolution displays and foldable phones due to their speckle-free emission and a knack for scattering. In medicine, they promise label-free cellular insights, targeted cancer treatments, and miniaturized diagnostics. However, the future of ZnO-based random lasers demands careful crafting. Scalability, cost, and longevity remain hurdles. This review first addresses the synthesis parameters controlling ZnO nanostructures as gain media in random lasers. Then, recent advances in random laser design and performance are discussed, followed by an explanation of the pumping mechanisms. The review concludes by addressing the potential applications of ZnO-based random lasers, including sensors, imaging, medical and display technologies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":471,"journal":{"name":"Applied Nanoscience","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.6740,"publicationDate":"2024-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Applied Nanoscience","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13204-024-03059-6","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"Engineering","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Random lasers operate without a traditional resonator cavity compared with traditional lasers, instead relying on multiple scattering events within a disordered medium to amplify light. Their emission spectrum and spatial characteristics are determined by the disorder within the medium rather than by specific resonant modes. ZnO nanostructures are ideal for random lasers due to their strong light emission properties and high refractive index, facilitating efficient light scattering and amplification within the disordered medium. Additionally, their wide bandgap and ability to support both optical and electrical pumping make them versatile for various laser applications. ZnO-based random lasers unlock a future beyond high-resolution displays and foldable phones due to their speckle-free emission and a knack for scattering. In medicine, they promise label-free cellular insights, targeted cancer treatments, and miniaturized diagnostics. However, the future of ZnO-based random lasers demands careful crafting. Scalability, cost, and longevity remain hurdles. This review first addresses the synthesis parameters controlling ZnO nanostructures as gain media in random lasers. Then, recent advances in random laser design and performance are discussed, followed by an explanation of the pumping mechanisms. The review concludes by addressing the potential applications of ZnO-based random lasers, including sensors, imaging, medical and display technologies.
期刊介绍:
Applied Nanoscience is a hybrid journal that publishes original articles about state of the art nanoscience and the application of emerging nanotechnologies to areas fundamental to building technologically advanced and sustainable civilization, including areas as diverse as water science, advanced materials, energy, electronics, environmental science and medicine. The journal accepts original and review articles as well as book reviews for publication. All the manuscripts are single-blind peer-reviewed for scientific quality and acceptance.