Scientists develop cost-effective lasers for extended SWIR applications
Current laser technologies used to extend the shortwave infrared spectral range rely on expensive and complex materials, limiting their scalability and affordability. To address these challenges, ICFO researchers led by ICREA Professor Gerasimos Konstantatos Dr. Guy L. Withworth, Dr. Carmelita Roda, Dr. Mariona Dalmases, Dr. Nima Taghipour, Miguel Dosil, Dr. Katerina Nikolaidou, Hamed Dehghanpour proposed a quantum reporting method based on colloids new way to point advanced materials article. The team successfully used large colloidal quantum dots made of lead sulfide (PbS) to emit coherent light in the extended short-wave infrared range – a requirement for making lasers.
This new CQD-based technology provides a solution to the above challenges while maintaining compatibility with silicon CMOS platforms (the technology used to build integrated circuit chips) for on-chip integration.
Their PbS colloidal quantum dots are the first semiconductor laser materials to cover such a wide wavelength range. Remarkably, the researchers achieved this without changing the chemical composition of the dots. These results pave the way for more practical and compact colloidal quantum dot lasers. In addition, the team demonstrated nanosecond excitation lasers in PbS quantum dots for the first time, replacing the need for bulky and expensive femtosecond laser amplifiers. This is achieved by using larger quantum dots, thereby increasing the quantum dot’s absorption cross-section tenfold, resulting in a significant reduction in the optical gain threshold (the point at which laser emission becomes an efficient process).
The ability to produce low-cost, scalable shortwave infrared range infrared lasers solves a critical bottleneck in various technologies. This innovation has transformative potential for a variety of applications, including hazardous gas detection, eye-safe lidar systems, advanced photonic integrated circuits, and imaging within the short-wave infrared biological window. Industries that rely on lidar systems, gas sensing and biomedicine can greatly benefit from this cost-effective and integrable solution. Additionally, this breakthrough supports the transition to silicon-compatible photonic integrated circuits, enabling greater miniaturization and widespread adoption.
“Our work represents a paradigm shift in infrared laser technology,” said ICREA Professor Gerasimos Konstantatos. “We have achieved lasing in the extended short-wave infrared range for the first time using solution-processed materials at room temperature, paving the way for practical applications and the development of more achievable technologies.”
2024-12-10 16:54:14