Trends in microdisk laser research and linear optical modelling

Research into microdisk lasers demonstrates new achievements both in the technology and in the associated physical effects and applications. Melting and rounding of the disk edge boosts the Q-factors due to improved surface smoothness. In-plane cavity shape is widely used as a design instrument. Optimal shaping of pumped area lowers the threshold power. Photonic molecules made of several microdisks as “photonic atoms” show lasing at several closely spaced frequencies. A microdisk with a single quantum dot as an active region is considered as the most promising system for realisation of a single photon emitter necessary for quantum computing. These new effects and devices can be simulated with accurate numerical techniques, developed recently for “warm-cavity” linear modelling, that are able to bring a new vision of the physics of lasing.