Theory and Applications of 2D Microcavity Lasers

We report a demonstration of lasing in a two-dimensional (2D) microcavity which is a semiconductor diode structure with a stadium shape finely formed by reactive-ion-etching technique and pumped by electric current injection. The laser exhibits output over a wide angle, although the fundamental lasing modes have highly complex wave structures which do not correspond to any simple set of rays inside the cavity. The applications of 2D microcavity lasers are also discussed.