Metal Coated Nanostructures for Laser and Light Localization Applications

Nanolasers, as an important on-chip source in photonic integrated circuits, was investigated by inserting dielectric shield layers and surrounded with "plug" regions. Both dissipation losses and radiation losses were largely reduced, implying a very low threshold gain. Model optimization can be made for optically pumped and electrically pumped lasers, showing a low enough threshold gain that allows lasing action at room temperature. The appealing property of more directional radiation and enhanced coupling efficiency can be acquired by laterally shifting the gain core.;With the background of Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR), the proposed laser was directly attached to the recording head, aiming at generating a small enough hot spot near the main pole. Models with different current path for electrical pumping were discussed and compared. Together with a plasmonic slit near-field transducer, the power can be delivered and confined to a reasonable small area over the recording medium, implying an effective HAMR system. To further achieve field localization, we propose a coupling system that can provide a small hot spot for HAMR. A Channel Plasmonic-Polariton (CPP) V-groove waveguide was coupled to a dielectric waveguide, which transmits power from an outside excitations. Field localization can be obtained after propagating in the V-groove waveguide, and strengthened by ending at certain distance and gradually tapering the end. The FWHM size of the generated hot spot can be as small as 24nmx48nm, showing a more effective HAMR system on both hot spot size and location.