title: Surface-emitting fiber lasers.
abstract: All fiber lasers to date emit radiation only along the fiber axis. Here a fiber that exhibits laser emission that is radially directed from its circumferential surface is demonstrated. A unique and controlled azimuthally anisotropic optical wave front results from the interplay between a cylindrical photonic bandgap fiber resonator, anisotropic organic dye gain, and a linearly polarized axial pump. Low threshold (86nJ) lasing at nine different wavelengths is demonstrated throughout the visible and near-infrared spectra. We also report the experimental realization of unprecedented layer thicknesses of 29.5 nm maintained throughout meter-long fibers. Such a device may have interesting medical applications ranging from photodynamic therapy to in vivo molecular imaging, as well as textile fabric displays.
authors.forename: Ofer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shapira
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuriki
authors.forename: Nicholas D
authors.initials: ND
authors.lastname: Orf
authors.forename: Ayman F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Abouraddy
authors.forename: Gilles
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Benoit
authors.forename: Jean F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Viens
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: Mihai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibanescu
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Joannopoulos
authors.forename: Yoel
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Megan M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Brewster