Modal analysis and engineering on InP-based two-dimensional photonic-crystal microlasers on a Si wafer

We report results on hexagonal-shaped microlasers formed from two-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs) using InP-based materials transferred and bonded onto SiO/sub 2// Si wafers. Two types of hexagonal cavities are investigated : single defect (one hole missing) cavities, so-called H1 cavities (1 (mu)m in diameter) and two holes missing per side H2 cavities (2 (mu)m in diameter). Their optical properties are analyzed using photoluminescence experiments, and plane wave method simulations have been performed for comparison. High Q modes (~600/700) have been measured and they have been shown to enable laser effect at room temperature, under pulsed optical pumping (15% duty cycle and 25-ns pulsewidth). The study of these efficient mode characteristics gives guidance for further improvement of the operation conditions of PC lasers, such as the reduction of the threshold pumping power.