Trends in microdisk laser design and optical modelling

Research into microcavity lasers demonstrates new achievements both in the technology and in the associated physical effects and applications. Melting and cooling of the disk edge boosts the Q-factors due to improved surface smoothness. 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. Microdisks with single quantum dots as an active area are considered as most promising systems for realisation of single photon emitters necessary for quantum computing. These new effects and devices can be simulated with accurate numerical techniques developed recently for the cold-cavity modelling that are able to bring new vision of the physics of lasing.