A long-time Slashdot reader writes that a PhD student at a Canadian university demonstrates a cost-effective and simple laser.
This could have dramatic consequences for the SiP, which is a hot topic for those working in the field of integrated optics. Increasing importance in quantum research and devices, such as QKD and in various entangled type experiments, is shown by the fact that Integrated optics is a critical technology involved in advanced telecommunications networks.
_
Jonathan Bradley, an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Physics, says that this is the holy grail of the field. It has been a longstanding challenge to make a laser on Silicon. Bradley notes that Miarabbas Kiani's achievement is remarkable not only for demonstrating a working laser on a Silicon chip, but also for doing so in a simple, cost-effective way that's compatible with existing global manufacturing facilities. It allows for volume manufacturing at a low cost. Bradley says mass produce can't be done if it costs too much.
