We have developed a finite-difference time-domain algorithm to simulate a wavelength-scale optical gyroscope based on a circular microdisk. In addition to the frequency shift, the rotation-induced changes in the quality factor and far-field emission pattern of the whispering gallery modes are studied. Compared to the closed cavity of same size and shape, an open cavity displays a larger frequen...

The quality factor (Q), mode volume (V(eff)), and room-temperature lasing threshold of microdisk cavities with embedded quantum dots (QDs) are investigated. Finite element method simulations of standing wave modes within the microdisk reveal that Veff can be as small as 2(lambda/n)(3) while maintaining radiation-limited Qs in excess of 10(5). Microdisks of diameter 2 microm are fabricated in an...

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) cavities provide resonance configurations for light propagation through internal reflection, achieving high Q factors, low thresholds, and small volumes. GaN-based materials exhibit freedom in band engineering are highly compatible with contemporary semiconductor processing technology. Recently, lasers from artificial GaN microdisks, obtained by combining the excel...

Silicon photonics is an ideal platform for low-cost, energy-efficient, and high-performance optical microsystems. However, because silicon inefficient light emitting material, the development of simple, inexpensive, scalable monolithic amplifiers sources has been a significant challenge. Here, gain lasing in ultra-compact hybrid rare-earth microdisk resonator are reported. The design straightfo...

Micro/nanoscale radiation transfer in whispering-gallery mode (WGM) microcavities is investigated. Each cavity consists of a waveguide and a microdisk coupled in a planar chip. In order to characterize the WGM resonance phenomena, studies of configuration parameters, specifically the microdisk size, the gap distance separating the microdisk and waveguide, and the waveguide width are numerically...