Photonic crystal fano laser: Terahertz modulation and ultrashort pulse generation

Abstract

We suggest and analyze a laser with a mirror realized by Fano interference between a waveguide and a nanocavity. For small-amplitude modulation of the nanocavity resonance, the laser can be modulated at frequencies exceeding 1 THz, not being limited by carrier dynamics as for conventional lasers. For larger modulation, a transition from pure frequency modulation to the generation of ultrashort pulses is observed. The laser dynamics is analyzed by generalizing the field equation for conventional lasers to account for a dynamical mirror, described by coupled mode theory.