Steric-Hindrance-Controlled Laser Switch Based on Pure Metal–Organic Framework Microcrystals

Abstract

Herein, we demonstrated a steric-hindrance-controlled laser switch in pure metal−organic framework (MOF) microcrystals. The well-faceted MOF microwires with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) lumnogens as linkers function as typical Fabry−Peŕot microlasers. The steric hindrance around the AIE linkers can be reduced by the loss of guest molecules, which lead to the enhanced rotation of linkers with red-shifted gain behavior. On this basis, the gain region was readily switched through changing the steric hindrance via the desorption/adsorption of guests. As a result, the reversible switching of the dual-wavelength lasing from MOF microwires was achieved. The results provide a promising route to the development of versatile micro-/nanolasers with desired applications.

An Optically Reconfigurable Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Process for Broadband Switchable Organic Single-Mode Microlasers

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11] Organic optofunctional materials, with abundant energy levels and excited-state processes, [12][13][14][15][16][17] provide an ideal platform to achieve multiwavelength switchable lasing. [18][19][20] Nevertheless, owing to the limited bandgap in a single gain medium, broadly tailoring the lasing wavelength of these materials remains a considerable challenge, which largely restricts their applications in ultracompact photonic devices. Therefore, it is critical to expand the gain region to enable widely switchable lasing for achieving broadband single-mode laser switch toward practical photonic integration.…”

A switchable multimode microlaser based on an AIE microsphere

“…[14][15][16][17][18][19] Facile fabrication and excellent compatibility of organic materials are also advantageous compared with that of conventional semiconducting materials. To date, wavelengthtunable lasers based on organic materials can be realized by modulating the energy level of excited state [20][21][22][23][24] or mode variation of the optical resonator 15,[25][26][27] . The excited-state energy levels of organic gain materials are sensitive to surrounding environments, thereby enabling the development of feasible methods for controllably switching the lasing wavelength via tuning the external stimuli.…”

Switchable Multimode Microlaser based on AIE Microsphere

“…Compared to inorganic material based lasers, organic materials with tailorable excitedstate processes and facile fabrication offer an alternative to realize wavelength-switchable microlasers. [12][13][14][15] To date, wavelength tunable lasers based on organic materials can be realized by modulating the energy level of excited state [16][17][18][19][20] or mode variation of the optical resonator 13,[21][22][23] .…”

“…The excited-state energy level of gain materials can be tuned by external stimuli including humidity 24 , temperature 19,25 , light 26 , vapor [16][17] , solvent 27 , etc.. However, reports on gas responsive micro-/nanolasers are limited.…”