Transfer-printed quantum-dot nanolasers on a silicon photonic circuit

Abstract: Quantum-dot (QD) nanolasers integrated on a silicon photonic circuit are demonstrated for the first time. QD nanolasers based on one-dimensional photonic crystal nanocavities containing InAs/GaAs QDs are integrated on CMOS-processed silicon waveguides cladded by silicon dioxide. We employed transfer-printing, whereby the three-dimensional stack of photonic nanostructures is assembled in a simple pick-and-place manner. Lasing operation and waveguide-coupling of an assembled single nanolaser are confirmed through micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, by repetitive transfer-printing, two QD nanolasers integrated onto a single silicon waveguide are demonstrated, opening a path to develop compact light sources potentially applicable for wavelength division multiplexing.