Chains of nanoparticles for flat-band emission and lasing

Abstract

Controlling light-matter interactions is central to photonic technologies ranging from lasers to optical information processing. Suitably designed photonic structures give rise to flat (dispersionless) bands, where the density of states diverges, and group velocity goes to zero, allowing light localization. These properties make flat bands attractive for lasing; however, designing photonic structures supporting flat bands suitable for lasing is challenging. Here, we introduce nanoparticle chain lattices. These chain geometries provide long-range coupled systems that support, at predictable wavelengths, bands that are totally flat and extend over the full angular range. We demonstrate lasing in the transverse-magnetic (TM) mode of single chains of nanoparticles and explain the transition from flat band lasing to the single-mode normal-incidence (Gamma-point) lasing as the number of chains is increased. Moreover, we show partially coherent emission from square and triangular two-dimensional chain lattices. The excited modes depend on the pump power and polarization. Our results establish chain lattices as a versatile platform for exploring flat band lasing and suggest new routes toward narrowband, linearly polarized, and bright light sources with tailored coherence.