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New device design could miniaturize photonics, quantum technologies

Researchers create powerful optical device with layered semiconductor and metasurface, enhancing nonlinear frequency conversion and enabling efficient light mixing and transformation. The device has potential applications in telecommunications, quantum communication, and photonic quantum computing.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2026

UMass Amherst research demonstrates new technology for shrinking quantum computers

Researchers at UMass Amherst have made a breakthrough in shrinking the size of quantum computers by integrating laser systems onto photonic chips. This technology has the potential to enable large-scale quantum computing and make optical clocks portable, with applications in fields such as deep space navigation and GPS.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Terahertz radiation source: Compact and simple

A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Cascading femtosecond lasers into the mid-infrared

Researchers at ETH Zurich demonstrate the first direct femtosecond-pulse emission from a quantum cascade laser in the mid-infrared region, generating powerful pulses as short as 630 femtoseconds and 4.5 watt peak power. This breakthrough opens up practical routes to accessing ultrafast dynamics across the molecular fingerprint region.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

A breakthrough in developing multi-watt terahertz lasers

Researchers at Lehigh University developed a new phase-locking technique to achieve record-high output power for terahertz lasers, resulting in the highest radiative efficiency for any single-wavelength semiconductor quantum cascade laser. The breakthrough enables higher intensity and brightness, paving the way for applications in iden...

SourceLehigh University·JournalOptica·DateJun 11, 2020

Using lasers to study explosions

Researchers used a swept-wavelength external cavity quantum cascade laser to study explosive events, detecting molecules and measuring temperature and concentration changes. The instrument provides fast and safe measurements, enabling new understanding of explosions and potential applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 3, 2019

Terahertz technology escapes the cold

Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a terahertz quantum cascade laser that operates without cryogenic cooling, reaching temperatures of up to 210 K. This breakthrough removes the main obstacles to widespread use in various applications, including non-invasive imaging and quality control.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 10, 2019

New microscope chemically identifies micron-sized particles

Researchers developed a new microscope that can chemically identify individual micron-sized particles using infrared spectroscopy without detectors. The instrument uses photothermal modulation of Mie scattering, allowing for non-destructive analysis and identification of multiple species simultaneously.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 5, 2017

The quantum sniffer dog

A microscopic sensor has been developed at TU Wien that can identify different gases simultaneously using a laser and detector in one. The sensor, made of a sophisticated layered system of materials, emits light in the infrared range and measures its strength to detect gases with unique 'fingerprints'.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 24, 2016

Making terahertz lasers more powerful

Researchers have developed a new type of terahertz quantum cascade laser that can produce a record output power of up to 230 milliwatts in continuous wave mode. This breakthrough has significant implications for various applications, including spectroscopy, medical imaging, and remote sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJul 26, 2016

Team builds first quantum cascade laser on silicon

A team of researchers has successfully built the first quantum cascade laser on silicon, paving the way for applications in chemical bond spectroscopy, gas sensing, astronomy, and free-space communications. The breakthrough integrates lasers directly on silicon chips, overcoming challenges posed by silicon's indirect bandgap.

SourceOptica·DateApr 20, 2016

Building a more versatile frequency comb

A new frequency comb has been developed that can operate at higher powers and cover the 3-12 micron spectral range. This breakthrough is achieved through a quantum cascade laser-based solution, offering improved performance and potential applications in metrology, spectroscopy, and frequency synthesis.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 16, 2015

Chemical sensor on a chip

A new type of sensor has been developed at the Vienna University of Technology using miniaturized laser technology, allowing for the analysis of liquids and gases. The sensor can measure the composition of liquids with an accuracy of 0.06%, opening up potential applications in chemical, biological, and medical analytics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2014

Powering lasers through heat

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck propose a novel method for powering lasers through heat, which could provide internal cooling and revolutionize microchip technology. The concept involves using temperature gradients to separate cold and warm areas in the laser, allowing for efficient energy transfer.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

Hearing the telltale sounds of dangerous chemicals

A new sensor uses a phenomenon called photoacoustic effect to detect and identify chemicals, including nerve agents. The system can identify multiple agents simultaneously in real-time, with potential applications for detecting hazardous gases.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 14, 2012

Terahertz imaging goes the distance

Scientists have successfully demonstrated a novel terahertz (THz) imaging technique that can capture high-quality images of objects from distances of up to 25 meters. The approach utilizes a quantum cascade laser and detector, which are designed to minimize water absorption in the THz spectrum.

SourceOptica·DateApr 26, 2007

Diode laser could be vital for safeguarding aircraft

A new type of diode laser, called quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), may revolutionize aircraft protection by emitting high-power light at specific wavelengths. The QCLs can operate at room temperature and have a power conversion efficiency of 10 percent, making them ideal for widespread use in infrared countermeasure systems.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 31, 2006