Nondegenerate monopole-mode two-dimensional photonic band gap laser

We propose and demonstrate photonic band gap lasing action from a nondegene rate monopole-mode, high-quality factor cavity. By optical pumping at room temperature, the monopole-mode laser is realized and identified from its mo de shape, spectrum, and polarization. The monopole-mode laser shows nondege neracy and genuine two-dimensional oscillation with incident threshold pump power less than 0.3 mW. This laser mode has a small modal volume of simila r to4.5(lambda /2n(slab))(3) and shows a quality factor of larger than 1900 , estimated from the spectral linewidth below threshold. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.