English

Researchers have developed a quantum cascade laser in Italy

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2023-08-04 16:24:48
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The first all-Italian quantum cascade laser was born at the National Research Center in Pisa. The protagonists of this milestone are two researchers from the Nanoscience Institute, Lucia Sorba and Miriam Serena Vitiello, who together with their research team designed and developed this innovative device.

In fact, quantum cascade lasers have unique potential for detecting gases and other molecules, and can be used in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, medical diagnostics and other fields.

This is a cutting-edge technology that requires complex designs and custom quantum materials. Vitiello explained: "In nature, there is simply no semiconductor suitable for far-infrared lasers, and man-made materials must be made."

In this case, the device, which is also made using cutting-edge instruments installed at the National Research Center in Pisa, is unique in the country and its core consists of 2,000 nanometer-thick layers of semiconductor material.

A note from Cnr explains that "creating the core of a quantum cascade laser inside the institute, a process that has so far been entrusted to other European laboratories," represents a significant technological advantage for Cnr nanoresearchers. In fact, they will be able to develop quantum cascade lasers at terahertz frequencies in a fully autonomous manner, studying them to improve their performance and exploring important implications in many fields, such as biomedicine, tumor diagnostics, wireless communications, quantum technologies."

Lucia Sorba commented: "Managing the entire process from design to material growth and its engineering to an efficient laser device is an important goal that demonstrates the excellence of the research carried out by Cnr Nano and its ability to meet the technical challenges."

Source: Laser Network
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