Optical gain medium incorporation in semiconductor optomechanical cavities

Abstract

We propose the experimental investigation of effects of a gain medium in an optomechanical cavity based on III-V materials, i.e., demonstrate an optomechanical laser. The project is based on the incorporation of gain medium - essentially quantum wells and/or quantum dots - to optomechanical cavities in a joint effort for the investigation of active optomechanical devices. This proposal is supplementary to our project developed in Brazil "Active Cavity Optomechanics". In the first part of our project, we have developed a model for dissipative coupling of the laser cavity and the mechanical oscillator and experimental advances have been made in optically pumped devices. Complementarily, the main goal of this internship is the fabrication of the devices with optical and electrical pumping. Also, the experiments with active devices are well within the research interest of Dr. Favero's group, with a vast experience in the field. (AU)