English

The world's first tunable wavelength blue semiconductor laser

1602
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
  • Coherent launches EDGE CUT20 OEM cutting solution

    Coherent launches EDGE CUT20 OEM cutting solution. By deeply integrating the new CUT20 laser cutting head with EDGE FL20 fiber laser, this solution brings three core advantages to high-performance sheet metal cutting: ultimate precision cutting quality, unprecedented process control capability, and intelligent process insights. At the heart of the EDGE CUT20 package is a co-engineered laser-and-...

    11-11
    See translation
  • Dutch satellite instruments have achieved milestone achievements in transmitting laser data to Earth

    TNO wrote that this is the first time Dutch technology has been used to send data from a satellite to a ground station press release on Earth. This technology uses invisible laser signals to achieve faster and safer data flow compared to ubiquitous communication radio frequencies.Kees Buijsrogge, Director of TNO Space, said, "This critical milestone marks a significant achievement for the Netherla...

    2024-01-25
    See translation
  • New super-resolution microscopy imaging technology: rapid imaging of neurons

    The research group led by Wang Kai from the Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligent Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has published a research paper titled "Super solution imaging of fast morphological dynamics of neurons in eating animals" online in Nature Methods. The team has developed a new type of super-resolution microscopy imaging technology, which solves the two ...

    2024-12-04
    See translation
  • Ultrafast laser technology continues to reach new heights

    Ultra short pulse lasers, such as femtosecond lasers, are increasingly becoming easy-to-use plug and play devices suitable for a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. Fifteen years ago, the volume of these lasers was still very large, requiring daily cleaning of optical components, regular maintenance of cooling water, and continuous optimization of laser parameters. Nowada...

    2023-11-06
    See translation
  • AEROTECH releases updated AUTOMATION1 motion control platform

    Aerotech is a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and every release has made the Automation1 motion control platform even stronger and more user-friendly. Version 2.5 brings TCP socket interface (test version), Automation1 MachineApps HMI development, new auxiliary module for motor settings, and improved machine settings for galvanometer laser scanning heads.Automation1 conti...

    2023-08-14
    See translation