Optical microcavities based on colour centres: new approach to activate resonator

Planar optical microcavities based on a lithium fluoride (LiF) spacer thin film activated by proton implantation have been fabricated and characterised by photoluminescence for the first time. Irradiation has been performed through the top Bragg mirror to produce the stable formation of visible-emitting F 2 and F + 3 colour centres in the LiF film. The spectral and spatial emission features of the microcavities demonstrate the possibility of controlling the radiative properties of luminescent sources.