Abstract: Optical gain media and gain devices are required for lasing devices and high intensity optical systems across a wide range of application. A compact optical gain device that provides near-infrared and infrared lasing at room temperature includes an optical microcavity having a refractive index and a curvilinear outer surface with an angle of curvature such that the optical microcavity supports the propagation of an electromagnetic whispering gallery mode. A plurality of optical gain structures are disposed along the curvilinear outer surface of the optical microcavity, the each of the optical gain structures having an optically active wavelength range over which each of the corresponding optical gain structures provides optical gain to radiation through stimulated emission.

Abstract: Hybrid silicon lasers and amplifiers having resonator cavities within a silicon substrate and a two-dimensional material film on the substrate as an optical gain medium are described. The two-dimensional material film may be formed of one or more atomic layers of phosphorene (BP). The number of phosphorene layers may be adjusted to tune the emission wavelength of the hybrid devices.