English

The world's first tunable wavelength blue semiconductor laser

248
2024-11-23 11:06:56
See translation

Recently, researchers from Osaka University in Japan have developed the world's first compact, wavelength tunable blue semiconductor laser in a new study. This breakthrough paves the way for far ultraviolet light technology and brings enormous potential for applications such as virus inactivation and bacterial disinfection. The research results have been published in the journal Applied Physics Letters.

 



Figure 1 (a) Schematic diagram of a tunable single-mode laser with periodic slotted structure; (b) Cross sectional side view of slotted channel. Source: Taisei Kusui, Takumi Wada, Naritoshi Matsushita et al., "Continuous wave operation of InGaN tunable single mode laser with periodically slotted structure", Applied Physics Express (2024)

Researchers from Osaka University in Japan have previously demonstrated that a transverse quasi phase matching device made of aluminum nitride and a vertical microcavity wavelength conversion device containing SrB4O7 nonlinear optical crystals can generate far ultraviolet second harmonic (SHG) at wavelengths below 230 nm.

Usually, these advanced devices require large and expensive ultra short pulse lasers as excitation sources. However, achieving practical far ultraviolet light sources requires a blue semiconductor laser with a wavelength of approximately 460 nm.

Blue nitride semiconductor lasers were originally designed for blue light technology and have now expanded to the processing of metal materials such as copper and gold, with the potential to be applied in the next generation of laser display technology. However, the oscillation wavelengths of these blue light lasers are usually multiple.

Efficient wavelength conversion devices have a very narrow wavelength receiving bandwidth, making single wavelength lasers an ideal excitation source. In addition, precise wavelength control and adjustability are also essential. Although several single wavelength blue light lasers with coarse periodic structures have been reported, none of them can achieve tunable wavelength control.

Our tunable wavelength nitride semiconductor laser oscillates in the 405 nm wavelength band, but its structure can also be easily adjusted to 460 nm, "explained Kusui Taisei, the lead author of the research team." Combined with our new wavelength conversion device, this laser can create a compact and practical far ultraviolet light source suitable for continuous use in indoor environments, effectively sterilizing and disinfecting.

With its compact design and longer lifespan, this technology can be seamlessly integrated into household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, providing healthier and safer living conditions for the home environment and bringing extensive benefits to public health.

Source: Yangtze River Delta Laser Alliance

Related Recommendations
  • The Welding Application of Fiber Laser in the Food and Beverage Industry

    As is well known, food and beverage product manufacturers have strict requirements in ensuring the hygiene and cleanliness of their equipment. Once these devices and components are designed or manufactured improperly, they are likely to cause pollution, ultimately leading to health hazards, brand reputation damage, and expensive recall actions. The shortage of labor and raw materials further exace...

    2023-10-19
    See translation
  • The Indian medical laser market has entered a rapid growth mode

    According to industry forecasts, the medical laser market in India, especially in the field of medical aesthetics, is expected to be worth up to 71572 million rupees in fiscal year 2023. It is expected that this number will increase to 1.8358 billion rupees by fiscal year 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.49%.Alma Medical, a global innovator in the field of medical lasers in Israel, h...

    2024-07-05
    See translation
  • Researchers use desktop laser systems to generate ultrafast electrons

    In a mass particle accelerator, subatomic particles are accelerated to ultrahigh speeds that are comparable to the speed of light towards the target surface. The accelerated collision of subatomic particles produces unique interactions, enabling scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental properties of matter.Traditionally, laser based particle accelerators require expensive laser...

    2024-03-14
    See translation
  • New photon avalanche nanoparticles may usher in the next generation of optical computers

    A research team led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), Columbia University, and Autonomous University of Madrid has successfully developed a novel optical computing material using photon avalanche nanoparticles. This breakthrough achievement was recently published in the journal Nature Photonics, paving the way for the manufacture of optical memory and transistors at the nano...

    02-28
    See translation
  • Real time measurement of femtosecond dynamics of relativistic intense laser driven ultra-hot electron beams

    In the interaction between ultra short and ultra strong laser and matter, electrons with short pulse width and high energy are generated, commonly referred to as "hot electrons". The generation and transport of hot electrons is one of the important fundamental issues in high-energy density physics of lasers. Superhot electrons can excite a wide range of ultrafast electromagnetic radiation, as well...

    2024-04-30
    See translation