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 /spl mu/m in diameter) and two holes missing per side H2 cavities (2 /spl 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 (/spl sim/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.