English

The world's first tunable wavelength blue semiconductor laser

1558
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 official launch of FV4000 and FV4000MPE microscopes aims to redefine scientific imaging

    Introduction to FLUOVIEW ™ The FV4000 confocal laser scanning microscope and FV4000MPE multiphoton laser scanning microscope have made breakthroughs in imaging technology, enabling researchers to make new scientific discoveries. The FV4000 and FV4000MPE microscopes aim to redefine scientific imaging, providing higher accuracy, lower noise, and higher sensitivity, setting new standards for im...

    2023-11-03
    See translation
  • PsiQuantum completes $1 billion equity financing

    PsiQuantum, the Palo Alto startup at the forefront of photonics-based quantum computer development, says it will break ground on two manufacturing sites after closing a series E venture round that raised $1 billion.The new funding, led by private equity giant Blackrock and featuring several others including Nvidia’s venture capital wing, will enable the firm to build quantum computing sites in Bri...

    09-16
    See translation
  • Invest 13 million euros! Tongkuai opens its Southeast European headquarters in Hungary

    Recently, German company Tongkuai invested 13 million euros to open its headquarters in Southeast Europe in Hungary and jointly established a digital network demonstration factory in the Gothler Business Park. Its business focuses on machine tools for digital manufacturing and laser sales for batteries and other automotive components.Nicola Leibinger Kamm ü ller, CEO of Tongkuai, said, "It is...

    2023-09-16
    See translation
  • The research team of Xi 'an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University proposed a new technology of laser cutting water to provide a new idea for the application of "water"

    Water is a natural resource that human beings depend on for survival and is used in many fields. In recent years, the patterning and flow control of trace water have attracted wide attention in materials science, chemistry, biomedicine and other fields."Draw the knife to cut off the water more flow"? No, it's "Laser cut water pattern"! On September 1, the reporter learned that Xi 'an Jiaotong Univ...

    2023-09-05
    See translation
  • Sales and order volume of Deutsche Bahn Group have decreased

    Recently, TRUMPF, a leading global provider of machine tools and laser technology solutions, released preliminary data for the 2023/24 fiscal year: compared to the previous fiscal year, sales decreased by about 4% year-on-year to 5.2 billion euros; The order amount decreased by 10% to 4.6 billion euros. The Tongkuai Group ended its 2023/24 fiscal year on June 30, 2024, with a decrease in both s...

    2024-07-22
    See translation