Seminar: Thomas J. Rotter

March 7, 2025

Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers (PCSELs) Based on Epitaxial Quantum Nanostructures

Thomas J. Rotter, Center for High Technology Materials, UNM

3:00 pm, UNM Centennial Engineering Center, Room 1026
Online Guests: Contact Prof. Osiński <osinski@chtm.unm.edu> for a Zoom link

Abstract: Since the invention of semiconductor lasers in 1962, these devices have revolutionized a wide range of industries, from telecommunications and information technology to medical applications, by providing compact, efficient, and tunable light sources. This talk will provide an overview of recent research conducted at the Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) related to semiconductor lasers grown via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). It will focus on investigations into various laser active regions designed for different wavelengths, including arsenide and antimonide quantum wells, as well as InAs quantum dots and dashes, exploring both their epitaxial growth techniques and their applications in laser devices. Additionally, the design and fabrication of various laser architectures, particularly surface emitting lasers such as vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs) and photonic crystal surfaceemitting lasers (PCSELs), will be discussed. Each of these architectures in combination with specific active regions presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of performance, efficiency, and integration with other technologies.

Bio: Dr. Thomas J. Rotter is a Research Associate Professor at the Center for High Technology Materials at the University of New Mexico. He received his PhD degree in Optical Science & Engineering from UNM in 2007 and the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Physics from the Westfaelische Wilhelms Universitaet Muenster, Germany. He has also been working at the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California at Los Angeles, at the Air Force Research Laboratory at the Kirtland AFB, and at Actoprobe LLC. He has authored or co-authored over 90 technical papers in peer reviewed journals. He currently works on projects involving the epitaxial growth of optical and electronic devices, including lasers, VECSELs, PCSELs, photodetectors, solar cells, SESAMs, and high mobility transistors. The devices are based on group III arsenides, antimonides, and phosphides, and include highly mismatched materials, self-assembled nanostructures, as well as low dimensional materials.