Researchers develop laser that could 'reshape the landscape of integrated photonics'

How do you integrate the advantages of a laser that can fill a room with light?

The first multi-color integrated laser has been set by a research team led by a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Rochester.

• Emits high-coherence light at telecommunication wavelengths
• Allows laser-frequency tuning at record speeds
• Is the first narrow linewidth laser with fast configurability at the visible band

The project was co-led by John and Kerry and was described in Nature Communications. The professor at the university collaborated on the project.

The technology has the potential to change the landscape of integrated photonics according to the authors.

For example, in self-driving cars, it will pave the way for new applications of Integrated Semiconductor Lasers. The technology could lead to advances in a number of areas.

A fully on- chip laser solution.

Many advances over the last few decades in information technologies and basic science can be traced back to Integrated Semiconductor Lasers.

Key functions are missing in current integrated lasers. The lack of fast reconfigurability and the narrowspectral window are two major challenges that stall the progression of many evolving applications

The Pockels effect has been used to create a new type of integrated laser. There is a laser and an on-insulator platform.

These features are included in the new technology.

• Fast frequency chirping, which will be invaluable in LiDAR sensor systems, which measure distance by recording the time between emission of a short pulse and reception of reflected light.
• Frequency conversion capabilities that overcome spectral bandwidth limitations of traditional integrated semiconductor lasers. This will "significantly relieve" the difficulties in developing new wavelength lasers.
• Narrow wavelength and fast reconfigurability, providing a "fully on-chip laser solution" to probe and manipulate atoms and ions in atomic physics, and benefit AR/VR and other applications at short wavelengths.

More information: Mingxiao Li et al, Integrated Pockels laser, Nature Communications (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33101-6 Journal information: Nature Communications