Photonic atoms with J-aggregates

In this paper, we report on development of active whispering-gallery microcavities integrated with shell of organic dye molecules in a J-aggregate state. Results of high-resolution micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy and photoluminescence lifetime imaging confirm strong coupling of J-aggregate emission to whispering gallery modes of spherical microcavity. Highly efficient luminescence from J-aggregate/microcavity system suggests that such photonic structures will find use as both microsensors and microlasers.