Laser control method technology, which can remotely control plasma nanolasers using a magnetic field

A research team from the University of Alto in Finland has explored and implemented a new mechanism for laser operation. Through this mechanism, users can remotely control plasma nanolasers using a magnetic field.

Previously, the only way was to "switch" plasma nanolasers through direct operation. However, with the development of topological photonics, the ability to control nanolasers with magnets can support stronger optical signals. The goal of this field is to generate optical signals that are immune to external interference.

Most plasma lasers are based on precious metals, which makes the optical mode structure of the laser exhibit inert characteristics in the external field. However, researchers at the University of Alto used periodic arrays of cobalt platinum multilayer nanoparticles, which were patterned on continuous gold and insulating silica layers.

Through this design, researchers utilized the magnetism of nanoparticles to control the laser and demonstrated the active magnetic field control of periodic array lasers. Analysis shows that the arrangement of materials and nanoparticles in the periodic array used to construct nanolasers is crucial for achieving magnetic control.

This study suggests that magnetization can be used to externally control plasma nanolasers through excitation, gain media, or substrates. Nanolasers are more energy-efficient than traditional lasers and have shown superior performance in many fields, including biophotonics, which improves the sensitivity of biosensors used in medical diagnosis.

The findings of the Alto team may also affect the field of topological photonics by implementing robust signal processing. So far, a strong magnetic field is needed to generate topologically protected optical signals using magnetic materials. However, the latest research findings indicate that magnetic effects can be unexpectedly amplified using a specific symmetric nanoparticle array in the context of switched lasers.

Researchers believe that their work may lead to the development of new, nanoscale, topologically protected signals. This type of signal can create optical modes with specific characteristics, enabling undisturbed optical transmission.