Français

Laser driven leap forward: the next generation of magnetic devices for controlling light is born

794
2023-12-21 17:53:12
Voir la traduction

Recently, a new laser heating technology developed by a Japanese research group has paved the way for advanced optical communication equipment by integrating transparent magnetic materials into optical circuits.

This breakthrough was recently published in the journal Optical Materials. It is crucial for integrating magneto-optical materials and optical circuits, which has been a significant long-term challenge in this field in the past. It is expected to make progress in compact magneto-optical isolators, miniaturized lasers, high-resolution displays, and small optical devices.

Laser heating of transparent magnetic materials

Specifically, researchers from Tohoku University and Toyohashi University of Technology in Japan have developed a new method for manufacturing transparent magnetic materials using laser heating.

"The key to this achievement lies in the creation of 'cerium substituted yttrium iron garnet' (Ce: YIG), a transparent magnetic material that uses specialized laser heating technology," said Taichi Goto, associate professor and co-author of the Institute of Electronic Communications (RIEC) at Tohoku University in Japan. "This method breaks through the key bottleneck of integrating magneto-optical materials with optical circuits without damaging them - a problem that hinders the progress of miniaturization in optical communication equipment."

Magnetic optical isolators in optical communication

Magnetic optical isolators are crucial for ensuring stable optical communication. They are like traffic lights directing, allowing them to move in one direction but not in another direction. Integrating these isolators into silicon-based photonic circuits is challenging as they typically involve high-temperature processes.

Due to this challenge, Taichi Goto and his colleagues focused their attention on laser annealing - a technique that selectively heats specific areas of materials using lasers. This enables precise control, affecting only the target area without affecting the surrounding area.

Previous studies have used it to selectively heat bismuth substituted yttrium iron garnet (Bi: YIG) thin films deposited on dielectric electron microscopy. This allows Bi: YIG to crystallize without affecting the dielectric electron microscopy.

However, when using Ce: YIG (which is an ideal material for optical devices due to its magnetic and optical properties), problems arise as exposure to air can lead to unnecessary chemical reactions.

To avoid this situation, researchers have designed a new device that heats materials in a vacuum, which means there is no air and laser is used. This allows for precise heating of small areas (approximately 60 microns) without altering the surrounding materials.

The impact on optical technology

Goto added, "The transparent magnetic materials created through this method are expected to significantly promote the development of compact magneto-optical isolators, which is crucial for stable optical communication. In addition, it opens the way for the manufacture of powerful miniaturized lasers, high-resolution displays, and small optical devices."

Recommandations associées
  • Application of laser technology in electric vehicles to improve safety and reduce rusting

    Trumpf has developed a laser application to improve the safety of electric vehicles, which can be used for adhesive and coating preparation in battery production, as well as anti-corrosion of aluminum components. This not only enhances safety but also prevents rusting of the vehicle.“Selective surface processing with lasers is a clean and fast alternative to chemical processes in the automotive in...

    10-13
    Voir la traduction
  • FABULOUS provides certified food safety 3D printing materials to the United States

    As is well known, 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular and expanding its application areas to different fields. Additive manufacturing has been established in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries and is now being used in the production of consumer goods and luxury goods, construction, and food industries. On the one hand, this mainly involves innovative edible products from 3D...

    2024-05-27
    Voir la traduction
  • 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
    Voir la traduction
  • Probe organization of photoacoustic devices using low-cost laser diodes

    Photoacoustic technology provides a non-invasive method for detecting biological tissues, but its clinical application is limited, partly due to the large volume and high cost of laser sources. A compact PA sensing instrument powered by laser diodes for biomedical tissue diagnosis can provide clinical doctors with a practical and effective tool for evaluating breast diseases.By providing a cost-ef...

    2024-03-06
    Voir la traduction
  • Industrial laser giant Coherent receives $33 million investment

    Recently, according to media reports, industrial laser giant Coherent has signed a "preliminary terms memorandum" with the US Department of Commerce, which will receive up to $33 million in investment under the Chip and Science Act.It is reported that the funds will mainly be used to support the modernization and expansion project of the cutting-edge manufacturing cleanroom in Coherent's existing ...

    2024-12-12
    Voir la traduction