Biomimetic Random Lasers with Tunable Spatial and Temporal Coherence

Biologically inspired photonic structures are the key for technological advances and for miniaturized lasers. Here random lasers in dye-doped titania with the disordered structure of paper are proposed. Sharp electromagnetic resonances with unexpected broad spatial extension are reported. The modes interact and compete on wide length scales, enabling to control precisely the device performance by acting on the pumping.