Scientists from the National Institute for Standards and Technologies (NIST) have achieved a major breakthrough in laser technology by filling the “green gap” in the spectrum of laser light. This milestone was made possible through the enhancement of the microcultated resonator, a miniature optical component that can now produce green laser light and be integrated into chips.
For the past twenty-five years, green lasers have faced limitations such as a narrow radiation range in the green spectrum and the inability to be integrated into chip devices. The new technology developed by NIST significantly expands the range of available colors, including various shades of green, opening up new possibilities for numerous applications.
The potential applications of this technology are vast. In the field of communications, it can enhance underwater communication due to the high permeability of blue-green waves in aquatic environments. Display technologies can benefit from the development of full-color laser projection displays. The medical field, particularly in the treatment of ophthalmological diseases like diabetic retinopathy, can also see improvements. Additionally, compact and energy-efficient lasers resulting from this innovation can be used in quantum calculations and communications, potentially bringing quantum technologies out of the laboratory.
Under the leadership of Kartik Srinivasan from NIST and a joint Quantum Institute (JQI), the research team has devised a method to convert infrared light into various colors using microresonators based on silicon nitride. They have managed to create over 150 different wavelengths in the “green rupture” range, enabling precise color tuning that was previously unattainable.
The researchers’ future efforts will focus on enhancing the energy efficiency of the technology, as the current output capacity is only a small fraction of the input. They aim to improve the connection between the input laser and the waveguide, as well as develop more efficient methods for extracting the generated light.
These advancements open up new possibilities in medicine, communications, and quantum calculations, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in these fields and potentially revolutionizing various technological spheres. The breakthrough in green laser technology could play a crucial role in the advancement of numerous cutting-edge technologies in the near future.