On the properties of single-mode optical resonators.

We study the quality factor of single-mode optical whispering gallery mode resonators using finite element method simulations, with a particular focus on the photonic belt resonator geometry. We experimentally observe a large difference between the quality factors of TM and TE modes in such resonators. Examining radiative losses, we conclude that the TM fundamental mode of single-mode resonators can have geometry related radiative losses caused by mode hybridization and coupling that limits their achievable quality factor.

Resonance in quantum dot fluorescence in a photonic bandgap liquid crystal host.

Microcavity resonance is demonstrated in nanocrystal quantum dot fluorescence in a one-dimensional (1D) chiral photonic bandgap cholesteric-liquid crystal host under cw excitation. The resonance demonstrates coupling between quantum dot fluorescence and the cholesteric microcavity. Observed at a band edge of a photonic stop band, this resonance has circular polarization due to microcavity chirality with 4.