Optically pumped lasing nanostructures as novel illumination sources

The development of new materials and the design of novel miniaturized device architectures has been one of the main driving forces of research in optics and photonics. Extensive interest and efforts are being devoted towards the possibility to develop cavity-free lasing in complex photonic media, and to obtain light amplification in disordered media by diffusive scattering of the optical wavelets. These lasers present the possibility to merge easy, the low-cost fabrication of disordered ensemble of nanomaterials with some peculiar properties such as non-directional and multi wavelength lasing emission, low temporal and spatial coherence that are advantageous for a number of applications ranging from speckle-free laser imaging to diagnostics and sensors.
Here, we will present experimental results on low coherence light sources made of organic multilayers and arrays of nanowires, which might find application in advanced imaging and in printing processes based on light exposure.

References:
[1] F. Matino et al., Laser Systems and Networks with Organic Nanowires and Nanofibers. Adv. Optical Mater. 2019, 7, 1900192
[2] A. Camposeo et al., Naturally Degradable Photonic Devices with Transient Function by Heterostructured Waxy-Sublimating and Water-Soluble Materials. Adv. Sci. 2020, 7, 2001594.