Enhanced Light Interaction with Organic Molecules in Photonic Crystal Slabs

Several applications for this technology are found in molecular sensing and detection as well as organic light emitting devices.  

Researchers

Ofer Shapira / Song Liang Chua / Bo Zhen / Jeongwon Lee / John Joannopoulos / Marin Soljacic

Departments: Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Department of Physics
Technology Areas: Electronics & Photonics: Lasers, Photonics, Quantum Technology
Impact Areas: Connected World

  • excitation enhancement and extraction enhancement with photonic crystals
    United States of America | Granted | 8,969,831

Technology 

This invention depicts a system for stimulating an emission from at least one emitter, such as a quantum dot or organic molecule, on the surface of a photonic crystal comprising a dielectric substrate. This system includes a laser or other source that illuminates the emitter and the photonic crystal, which is characterized by an energy band structure exhibiting a Fano resonance, from a first angle so as to stimulate the emission from the emitter at a second angle. The coupling between the photonic crystal and the emitter may result in spectral and angular enhancement of the emission through excitation and extraction enhancement. These enhancement mechanisms also reduce the emitter's lasing threshold.  

Problem Addressed      

Currently, the incorporation of organic molecules in optical cavities is challenging and often impossible due to the incompatible fabrication processing with the typically inorganic cavity structure.  

Advantages

  • Ability to create more efficient organic light emitting devices
  • A more sensitive molecular sensing

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