Effect of a microstructure on the formation of self-assembled laser cavities in polycrystalline ZnO

H. C. Ong, Jiyan Dai, A. S K Li, G. T. Du, R. P H Chang, S. T. Ho

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

27 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The optical properties of polycrystalline ZnO have been studied to elucidate the occurrence of random laser action. The spatially-resolved refractive index has been mapped out by using the scanning electron energy loss spectroscopy across the grain boundary. It is observed that the refractive index decreases gradually when the probe beam is approaching to the grain boundary. A thin reflective layer of ∼ 10 nm is found to form in the vicinity of the grain boundary, which assists the optical scattering. The photon scattering factor of the reflective layer has been determined and is shown to correlate well with the results of the coherent backscattering method. Together with the cathodoluminescence studies, it is suggested that the overall structure, which includes the grain and grain boundary, determines the laser action in ZnO.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1663-1665
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Applied Physics
Volume90
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physics and Astronomy (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of a microstructure on the formation of self-assembled laser cavities in polycrystalline ZnO'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this