Self-contained random scattering laser devices

A self-contained, random scattering laser generating device comprising:

• a housing comprising an inner chamber;
• a transparent or translucent matrix of sol-gel or polyacrylate positioned inside the inner chamber;
• at least one quantum dot configured in the matrix, the quantum dot comprising at least one of CdS, CdSe, CdTe, ZnS, ZnSe, or ZnTe;
• a high-energy emitting source positioned within the inner chamber and in radioactive communication with the at least one quantum dot, the high-energy emitting source comprising thallium-204, wherein the at least one quantum dot is physically separated from the high-energy emitting source by a gap, the gap sized to prevent evanescent wave coupling losses;
• at least one lasing medium, physically separated from the transparent or translucent matrix, the lasing medium in optical communication with the at least one quantum dot;
• at least one reflector positioned within the inner chamber and in optical communication with the at least one lasing medium;
• an aperture providing an opening in the housing;
• and a lens positioned in optical communication with the aperture.

A method comprising:

• providing at least one quantum dot;
• contacting the at least one quantum dot with a high-energy emitting source, the high-energy emitting source physically separated from the at least one quantum dot by a gap, the gap size to prevent evanescent wave coupling losses, whereby randomly scattered light is produced;
• and
• partially coherently amplifying the randomly scattered light emitted from the at least one quantum dot;
• wherein a random scattering laser is generated.