Researchers develop laser that could ‘reshape the landscape of integrated photonics’

Phys.org  October 24, 2022
A team of researchers in the US (University of Rochester, UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, Clemson University) has developed multi-color integrated laser that emits high-coherence light at telecommunication wavelengths allows laser-frequency tuning at record speeds and can be configured at the visible band. Using a hybrid integrated III-V/Lithium Niobate structure they demonstrated several essential capabilities that have not existed in previous integrated lasers. These include a record-high frequency modulation speed of 2 exahertz/s and fast switching at 50 MHz, both of which are made possible by integration of the electro-optic effect. The device co-lases at infrared and visible frequencies via the second-harmonic frequency conversion process. Combined with its narrow linewidth and wide tunability, this new type of integrated laser holds promise for many applications including LiDAR, microwave photonics, atomic physics, and AR/VR…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

Concept and structure of the integrated Pockels laser. Credit: Nature Communications volume 13, Article number: 5344 (2022)