Random lasing in ZnO self-organized nanoparticles produced by laser induced breakdown

Abstract

Abstract A simple laser-assisted method to transform metallic Zn to a ZnO-based random lasing medium is reported. The method uses Nd+3 laser-induced air breakdown to treat the surface of a Zn target in oxygen atmosphere, and thus produce self-organized nanoparticles (tubes, needles etc.) over nearby area. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra of the nanoparticles exhibit the emission band at 395\u202fnm with semi-regular narrow spikes (