arXiv subjects

Jesper Mørk

Publications and source records attributed to Jesper Mørk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Instantaneous modes in dispersive laser cavities

We develop a unified instantaneous-mode description for lasers with dispersive cavities, exploiting the separation of timescales between fast cavity fields and slow carrier dynamics. The resulting reduced rate equations retain the essential effects of frequency-dependent mirrors through a dynamic modal gain and an effective confinement factor determined directly by the mirror reflectivity. Applied to a Fano laser, the reduced description captures the essential dynamics, closely reproduces the full-model behavior and clarifies the physical origin of dispersive instabilities. More generally, the approach provides a transparent framework for deriving reduced models and simplifying the stability analysis of dispersive laser cavities.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Demonstration of a High-Q Subwavelength Dielectric Nanocylinder

The development of subwavelength dielectric cavities is essential for reducing the size of photonic devices and enabling dense optoelectronic integration. However, previouslysubwavelengthoptical cavities exhibit demonstrated Q-factors <400, limiting their applications. Here, we demonstrate a high-Q subwavelength nanocylinder by leveraging bound states in the continuum (BIC). We track BIC modes of different longitudinal orders while maintaining an ultrasmall footprint. We find that the Q-factor initially increases but then saturates at higher orders. By linking quasi-normal-mode perturbation theory with coupled-mode analysis, we reveal the physical origin of this saturation and identify an optimized dimension that balances performance with fabrication feasibility. By suspending this design in free space using nanobridges and optimizing the nanofabrication process, we experimentally realize an InP subwavelength nanocylinder with a measured Q-factor exceeding 1000. Compared with a lower-Q substrate-supported counterpart, the suspended high-Q BIC nanocylinder exhibits stronger scattering and photoluminescence signals. Our work provides a route to high-Q optical devices with ultrasmall footprints.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Lasing from a Quantum-Dot-Like Buried Heterostructure in an InP Nanobeam Cavity

We report lasing from a lithographically defined buried heterostructure with an estimated lateral footprint of (107 nm)^2, embedded in an InP photonic-crystal nanobeam cavity. This represents the smallest laterally confined buried heterostructure gain region from which lasing has been observed. Despite etching of the active region during cavity definition and the associated risk of surface-related nonradiative recombination, optically pumped devices exhibit a clear lasing threshold and a narrow linewidth. By systematically varying the BH size, we investigate how the lasing threshold depends on the active volume under optical pumping. The estimated intrinsic threshold under ideal carrier injection is 57 nW, comparable to values reported for single quantum-dot nanolasers, highlighting the potential of quantum-dot-scale buried heterostructures as deterministic, scalable gain media for nanophotonic lasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

The Dielectric Bowtie Effect: Classical Electromagnetic Edge Singularities in Subwavelength Cavities

Dielectric bowtie nanocavities can concentrate light into subwavelength regions without the ohmic losses of plasmonic metals. We show that this enhancement is the finite-geometry realization of a classical electromagnetic edge singularity. Unlike an isolated dielectric wedge, the scaling in a bowtie is governed by an exponent determined by a collective four-sector singularity. In a finite structure, this scale-free singular field is regularized by the gap size, while the bowtie length sets the outer scale. The tip radius, gap, and bowtie length therefore play distinct physical roles: curvature cuts off the local wedge singularity, the gap cuts off the collective bowtie singularity, and the outer length sets the range over which the field can build up. Electrostatic simulations confirm the predicted scaling laws, while three-dimensional quasinormal-mode simulations show how the same near-field mechanism is accessed and limited by realistic dielectric nanocavities.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Nanobeam Laser Cavities with High Quality-factor and Near-Unity Outcoupling Efficiency

Cavities with high quality (Q) factor and small mode-volume are crucial to realize high-performance nanolasers suitable for optical interconnects. In this work, we propose a novel one-dimensional photonic crystal nanobeam cavity design with fins for controlled electrical injection into the active region. An effective optimization algorithm based on first-order perturbation theory of quasinormal modes is implemented and shown to significantly enhance the cavity quality factor. The one-dimensional geometry of the cavity lends itself to unidirectional coupling of the resonant mode into the waveguide by introducing asymmetry of the mirror. The resulting design is shown to achieve high extraction efficiencies ($>90\%$) while maintaining a high Q-factor ($>10 \cdot 10^3$). Through an analysis of the cavity's decay channels, we find that the introduced asymmetry induces unexpected interactions between the cavity's decay channels. Passive InP cavities are fabricated and experimentally characterized, demonstrating record-high quality factors exceeding $170 \cdot 10^3$ for designs without fins and up to $70 \cdot 10^3$ for designs with fins, confirming the efficacy of the optimization method and quality of the fabrication process.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Recirculating Quantum Photonic Networks for Fast Deterministic Quantum Information Processing

A fundamental challenge in photonics-based deterministic quantum information processing is to realize key transformations on time scales shorter than those of detrimental decoherence and loss mechanisms. This challenge has been addressed through device-focused approaches that aim to increase nonlinear interactions relative to decoherence rates. In this work, we adopt a complementary architecture-focused approach by proposing a recirculating quantum photonic network (RQPN) that minimizes the duration of quantum information processing tasks, thereby reducing the requirements on nonlinear interaction rates. The RQPN consists of a network of all-to-all connected nonlinear cavities with dynamically controlled waveguide couplings, and it processes information by capturing a photonic input state, recirculating photons between the cavities, and releasing a photonic output state. We demonstrate the RQPN's architectural advantage through two examples: first, we show that processing all qubits simultaneously yields faster operations than single- and two-qubit decompositions of the three-qubit Toffoli gate. Second, we demonstrate implementations of a measurement-free correction for single-photon loss, achieving up to seven-fold speedups and significantly improved hardware efficiency relative to state-of-the-art architecture proposals. Our work shows that a single hardware-efficient recirculating architecture substantially reduces the temporal overhead of multi-qubit gates and quantum error correction, thereby lowering the barrier to experimental realizations of deterministic photonic quantum information processing.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Modeling Quantum Noise in Nanolasers using Markov Chains

The random nature of spontaneous emission leads to unavoidable fluctuations in a laser's output. This is often included through random Langevin forces in laser rate equations, but this approach falls short for nanolasers. In this paper, we show that the laser quantum noise can be quantitatively computed for a very broad class of lasers by starting from simple and intuitive rate equations and merely assuming that the number of photons and excited electrons only takes discrete values. While the approach has seen previous success, we here derive it rigorously from an open quantum system master equation, whereas it was previously introduced only on phenomenological grounds. We further show that in the many-photon limit, the model simplifies to Langevin equations. We perform an extensive comparison of different approaches for computing quantum noise in lasers, identifying the best approach for different system sizes, ranging from nanolasers to macroscopic lasers, and different levels of excitation, i.e., cavity photon number. In particular, we show that below the laser threshold, stochastic fluctuations in the numerical solution to the Langevin equations can drive populations to unphysical negative values, requiring the introduction of population bounds, which in turn skew the noise statistics, leading to inaccuracies. The Laser Markov Chain model, on the other hand, is accurate for all pump values and laser sizes when collective emitter effects are excluded.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2026

Efficient first-principles inverse design of nanolasers

We develop and demonstrate a first-principles approach, based on the nonlinear Maxwell-Bloch equations and steady-state ab-initio laser theory (SALT), for inverse design of nanostructured lasers, incorporating spatial hole-burning corrections, threshold effects, out-coupling efficiency, and gain diffusion. The resulting figure of merit exploits the high-$Q$ regime of optimized laser cavities to perturbatively simplify the nonlinear model to a single linear ''reciprocal'' Maxwell solve. The consequences for laser-cavity design, and in particular the strong dependence on the nature of the gain region, are demonstrated using topology optimization of both 2d and full 3d geometries.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Orders-of-magnitude reduction in photonic mode volume by nano-sculpting

Achieving strong light-matter interaction is important for studying and exploiting several physics phenomena. The light-matter interaction strength depends on the optical field intensity in the interaction region, often measured by the Purcell factor, which for a single emitter is proportional to the spectral confinement, quantified by the cavity quality factor $Q$, and inversely proportional to the spatial localization of light, quantified by the optical model volume $V$, $F \propto \frac{Q}{V}$. While plasmonic (metallic) devices can support extreme spatial light confinement, ohmic losses reduce the cavity lifetime, thereby limiting the achievable spectral confinement. It is therefore of both practical and fundamental interest to explore the potential for achieving extreme spatial light confinement in (near) loss-less dielectric environments. Employing topology optimization we explore the limits of spatial light confinement in dielectric environments when allowing for three-dimensional sculpted dielectric nanostructures. Here we discover structures supporting optical modes that are concentrated in material (air) with mode volumes that are three (four) orders of magnitude below the so-called diffraction limit, $V_{\textbf{r}_0} \approx 4 \cdot 10^{-4} \left[λ/(2 n)\right]^3 \left( V_{\textbf{r}_0} \approx 3 \cdot 10^{-5} \left[λ/2\right]^3\right)$. Remarkably, we further discover that encapsulating the nanostructure by ellipsoidal shells enables seemingly unbounded enhancement of the mode quality factor ($Q > 10^8$ demonstrated numerically) leading to theoretical Purcell factor enhancement above $10^{11}$. It is established how $V_{\textbf{r}_0}$ and $Q$ depend on the choice of material platform, device volume, minimum feature size and the number of shells. Finally a study of sensitivity towards geometric variations is presented, revealing robust behaviour.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

A deterministic approach for integrating an emitter in a nanocavity with subwavelength light confinement

We introduce a novel light-matter interface that integrates a nanoscale buried heterostructure emitter into a dielectric bowtie cavity, co-localising the optical hotspot and the electronic wavefunction. This platform enables strong light-matter interaction through deep subwavelength confinement while remaining compatible with scalable fabrication. We show that in this regime an explicit treatment of the emitter's spatial extent is required, and that a confinement-factor approximation more accurately predicts the coupling, revealing design rules inaccessible to dipole-based metrics. For an InP/InGaAsP system, we predict coupling strengths of 0.4-0.7 meV for gap sizes of 50-10 nm, establishing the buried heterostructure-bowtie architecture as a practical route to deterministic strong coupling in solid-state nanophotonics.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Carrier Transport in Electrically-Driven Photonic Crystal Membrane Lasers

We model carrier transport in photonic crystal lasers with lateral current injection through two-dimensional (2D) finite-volume simulations. Though such lasers can achieve ultra-low threshold currents, leakage paths reduce the carrier injection efficiency. The design is evaluated through its performance in terms of injection efficiency, internal quantum efficiency, and IV characteristics. Our model predicts the presence of unconventional leakage paths, explaining experimental observations of low injection efficiencies and enhanced spontaneous recombination at doping interfaces. Carrier leakage paths arise due to insufficient injection of holes into the active region, leading to an electric field that increases the energy barrier for electrons, thereby reducing the injection efficiency. The spatial profile of the p-doped region is shown to play a critical role in achieving a high electrical injection efficiency and low-threshold lasing. The model is an important step towards modelling and optimizing properties of 2D photonic crystal membrane lasers.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2025

Simple yet Accurate Stochastic Approach to the Quantum Phase Noise of Nanolasers

Nanolasers operating at low power levels are strongly affected by intrinsic quantum noise, influencing both intensity fluctuations and laser coherence. Starting from semiclassical rate equations and making a simple hypothesis for the phase of the laser field, a simple stochastic model for the laser quantum noise is suggested. The model is shown to agree quantitatively with quantum master equations for microscopic lasers with a small number of emitters and with classical Langevin equations for macroscopic systems. In contrast, neither quantum master equations nor classical Langevin equations adequately address the mesoscopic regime. The stochastic approach is used to calculate the linewidth throughout the transition to lasing, where the linewidth changes from being dominated by the particlelike nature of photons below threshold to the wavelike nature above threshold, where it is strongly influenced by index fluctuations enhancing the linewidth.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2025

Fabrication and characterization of shape- and topology-optimized optical cavities with deep sub-wavelength confinement for interfacing with colloidal quantum dots

We employ a combined shape- and topology-optimization strategy to design manufacturable two-dimensional photonic crystal-based optical nanocavities that confine light to length scales well below the resonance wavelength. We present details of the design strategy as well as scanning electron micrographs of the fabricated indium phosphide cavities with a compact footprint of ~"4.5λ*4.5λ" , which feature gaps on the order of 10 nm and theoretical mode volumes in the gap center below (0.1 (λ/2n_air))^3. Subsequent optical characterization of the far-field emission as well as Purcell-enhanced photoluminescence from the cavities with and without spin-coated colloidal quantum dots are compared to numerical simulations. The results corroborate the potential of the design strategy and fabrication process for ensuring high yield and reliable performance as well as the viability of the material platform for exploring light-matter interaction with colloidal QDs.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Enhancement and speed-up of carrier dynamics in a dielectric nanocavity with deep sub-wavelength confinement

The emergence of dielectric bowtie cavities enable optical confinement with ultrahigh quality factor and ultra-small optical mode volumes with perspectives for enhanced light-matter interaction. Experimental work has so far emphasized the realization of these nanocavities. Here, we experimentally investigate the ultrafast dynamics of a topology-optimized dielectric (silicon) bowtie nanocavity, with device dimensions down to 12 nm, that localizes light to a mode volume deep below the so-called diffraction limit given by the half-wavelength cubed. This strong spatial light concentration is shown to significantly enhance the carrier generation rate through two-photon absorption, as well as reducing the time it takes for the carriers to recover. A diffusion time below 1 ps is achieved for the bowtie cavity, which is more than an order of magnitude smaller than for a conventional microcavity. Additionally, parametric effects due to coherent interactions between pump and probe signals are also enhanced in the bowtie cavity, leading to an improved extinction ratio. These results demonstrate important fundamental advantages of dielectric bowtie cavities compared to conventional point-defect cavities, laying a foundation for novel low-power and ultrafast optical devices, including switches and modulators.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

A nanolaser with extreme dielectric confinement

The interaction between light and matter can be enhanced by spatially concentrating the light field to boost the photon energy density and increasing the photon dwell time to prolong energy transfer between light and matter. Traditionally, strong spatial light localization has been achieved using plasmonics, which, despite its effectiveness, entails ohmic losses. Recent advances in nanostructured dielectrics offer an avenue for achieving strong light confinement without metallic losses. However, previous studies primarily focused on minimizing the optical mode volume without adequately addressing light-matter interactions. Here, we develop a nanolaser that simultaneously localizes the electromagnetic field and excited carriers within the same region of a dielectric nanobridge. This extreme dielectric confinement of both light and matter achieves a mode volume below the diffraction limit and a subwavelength carrier volume without the introduction of lateral quantum confinement, enabling continuous-wave lasing at room-temperature. Moreover, we observe a strong correlation between the mode field and carrier distribution, and unexpectedly, the enhanced mode field localization automatically leads to more pronounced carrier localization, promoting self-alignment of light and matter, which significantly reduces the laser threshold. We quantify the intensified light-matter interaction with a newly proposed interaction volume, which generalizes the concept of mode volume to a broad class of active media. Our work lays the ground for developing ultra-efficient optoelectronic devices by greatly enhancing light-matter interactions through advanced material nanostructuring.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2024

Self-pulsing dynamics in microscopic lasers with dispersive mirrors

We show that a passive dispersive reflector integrated into a semiconductor laser can be used to tailor the laser dynamics for the generation of ultrashort pulses as well as stable dual-mode lasing. We analyze the stability using a general model that applies to any laser with frequency-dependent mirror losses. Finally, we present a generalization of the Fano laser concept, which provides a flexible platform for tailoring the mirror dispersion for self-pulsing. In addition to functioning as a design guideline, our model also accounts for several results in the literature.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2023

Dynamics and condensation of polaritons in an optical nanocavity coupled to two-dimensional materials

We present a comprehensive investigation of the light-matter interaction dynamics in two-dimensional materials coupled with a spectrally isolated cavity mode in the strong coupling regime. The interaction between light and matter breaks the translational symmetry of excitons in the two-dimensional lattice and results in the emergence of a localized polariton state. Employing a novel approach involving transformation to exciton reaction coordinates, we derive a Markovian master equation to describe the formation of a macroscopic population in the localized polariton state. Our study shows that the construction of a large-scale polariton population is affected by correction terms addressing the breakdown of translational symmetry. Increasing the spatial width of the cavity mode increases the Coulomb scattering rates while the correction terms saturate and affect the system's dynamics progressively less. Tuning the lattice temperature can induce bistability and hysteresis with different origins than those recognized for quantum wells in larger microcavities. We identify a limit temperature $T_{\mathrm{l}}$ as a key factor for stimulated emissions and forming a macroscopic population, enriching our understanding of strong coupling dynamics in systems with extreme confinement.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

A lithographically-defined quantum dot with sub-wavelength confinement of light

We present an optical cavity with deep sub-wavelength confinement of light in a region that simultaneously works as a quantum dot. The design is based on a dielectric membrane with a buried quantum well and restricts the electron and hole wave functions to the area of the optical hotspot in order to overcome the challenge of co-locating an optical cavity with a quantum emitter. Combined with proper surface passivation, this geometry points towards the deterministic fabrication of functional quantum dots in optical cavities by lithographic means.

physics.optics↗