Functional control of nanophotonic complex lasers
File(s)
Author(s)
Ng, Wai Kit
Type
Thesis or dissertation
Abstract
This thesis focuses on the control of complex laser properties to achieve different functionalities, from emission tuning to photonic computing. We first demonstrate the dynamic lasing behaviours of self-assembly colloidal random lasers by making use of the physical control of active matter. The structural flexibility introduced in the assemblies allows for novel functionalities, such as reconfigurable and cooperative actions between active lasers. Then, we control the emission from static, on-chip semiconductor lasers via different gain modulation methods, including a machine learning approach. We also harness machine learning as a spectroscopy tool to visualise the gain profiles of complex lasing modes. Finally, we extend the on-chip laser functionalities to neuromorphic computing by drawing upon the design and modelling benefits of semiconductor network lasers. A photonic nonlinear processor with record-breaking levels of accuracy is achieved by leveraging the extremely high nonlinearity of indium phosphide network lasers for computing tasks, like nonlinear waveform transformations and machine vision challenges.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-06
Date Awarded
2024-09
Copyright Statement
Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial Licence
Advisor
Sapienza, Riccardo
Sponsor
Imperial College London
Publisher Department
Physics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)