Coherent optical interaction between plasmonic nanoparticles and small organic dye molecules in microcavities

We investigate the lasing performance of different composite gain materials consisting of small organic molecules, gold nanoparticles, and a polymer matrix mixed on a nanoscale within a spin-coated thin film. We experimentally demonstrate that the localized surface plasmon resonances of randomly distributed gold nanoparticles can oscillate in phase with the standing wave of the surrounding microcavity resonator and contribute to a lower lasing threshold.