Evolution of whispering gallery modes in Li-doped ZnO hexagonal micro-and nanostructures

Abstract

The formation of optical cavities in Li-doped ZnO nanostructures was investigated. By means of the vapor–solid method, long micro-and nanostructures with a hexagonal cross-section were grown. These morphologies were favorable for Fabry-Pérot and whispering gallery modes to appear. A variety of structures with different sections was studied using µ-photoluminescence in both the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations, showing well-pronounced optical resonant modes. The results showed a dominance of whispering gallery modes that were in good agreement with the calculated refractive index. The quality factor (Q) and finesse (F) were estimated, which demonstrated the quality of Li:ZnO structures as optical cavities.