Visualization of localized photon modes of ZnO nanorods by scanning cathodoluminescence

The scanning cathodoluminescence spectra and images of a ZnO nanorod with two mirrors at the end faces are studied at 10 K. Emission peaks of bound excitons and edge luminescence are observed in the ultraviolet spectral region. The spatial distribution pattern of emission intensity corresponding to localized photon modes of the nanorod is recorded at different wavelengths. A new method of visualization of localized optical modes in micro- and nano-sized laser cavities is suggested.