Flexible and ultra-lightweight polymer membrane lasers

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03874-w
• Publication Date: 2018-04-12T09:41:25Z
• Authors: Markus Karl; James M. E. Glackin; Marcel Schubert; Nils M. Kronenberg; Graham A. Turnbull; Ifor D. W. Samuel; Malte C. Gather
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Science; 02 engineering and technology; DFB laser; Article; 03 medical and health sciences; Devices; Distributed feedback laser; Excitation; R2C; QC; Organic semiconductor laser; T; Q; 500; DAS; T Technology; 620; QC Physics; Electronics; BDC; 0210 nano-technology

Organic semiconductors enable the fabrication of a range lightweight and mechanically flexible optoelectronic devices. Most organic semiconductor lasers, however, have remained rigid until now, predominantly due to need for support substrate. Here, we use simple process make membrane-based, substrate-less extremely thin (<500 nm) distributed feedback lasers that offer ultralow-weight (m/A<0.5 gm-2) excellent mechanical flexibility. We show operation as free-standing membranes transfer them onto other substrates, e.g. banknote, where unique lasing spectrum is readily read out used security feature. The pump thresholds emission intensity our membrane are well within permissible exposures ocular safety demonstrate integration on contact lenses wearable tags.