A schematic of the new laser system. Credit: Image courtesy of Northwestern University
High power and rapid tuning for the detection of hazardous chemicals. From their use in telecommunication to detecting hazardous chemicals, lasers play a major role in our everyday lives. They keep us connected, keep us safe, and allow us to explore the dark corners of the universe. Now a Northwestern University team has made this ever-important tool even simpler and more versatile by integrating a mid-infrared tunable laser with an on-chip amplifier. This breakthrough allows adjustable wavelength output, modulators, and amplifiers to be held inside a single package.
With this architecture, the laser has demonstrated an order-of-magnitude more output power than its predecessors, and the tuning range has been enhanced by more than a factor of 2. “We have always been leaders in high-power and high-efficiency lasers,” said Manijeh Razeghi. “Combining an electrically tunable wavelength with high power output was the next logical extension.”
With mid-infrared spectroscopy, a chemical can be identified through its unique absorption spectrum. This greatly interests government agencies that aim to detect hazardous chemicals or possible explosive threats. Because Razeghi’s new system is highly directional, the high power can be used more efficiently, allowing for the greater ability to detect chemicals. It also allows for standoff application, which keeps personnel physically distant from potentially dangerous environments. The technology could also benefit free-space optical communications and aircraft protection.
“We demonstrated the first continuously tunable, continuous operation, mid-infrared lasers with electrical tuning of the emission wavelength,” Razeghi said. “This initial demonstration was very exciting, and continuing developing has led us to a number of new projects.” http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/2016/01/single-chip-laser-delivers-powerful-result.html
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