Random lasing in solid state materials

Abstract

In 1967, Letokhov theoretically predicted the possibility of generating laser-like emission starting from scattering particles with negative absorption, the so-called random or powder laser. Random lasers are the simplest sources of stimulated emission without cavity, with the feedback provided by disordered-induced light scattering due to spatial inhomogeneity of the medium [1]. The specific feedback mechanism and behaviour of a given system depends on its particular nature and morphology. A detailed discussion about the latest results and theories concerning the mechanisms responsible for random lasing and the precise nature of the random laser modes can be found in Refs.