Researchers at NIST have developed improved chip-scale color conversion lasers that could enable next-generation quantum devices. The new devices generate multiple laser colors from a single input laser source, which is crucial for many quantum technologies like miniature optical atomic clocks and quantum computers.
The key innovation is a silicon nitride microresonator that converts input near-infrared light into two different output colors – visible and infrared. The team achieved high efficiency and power output by redesigning the device structure to improve light coupling between the resonator and output waveguide.
The new devices convert up to 29% of input light to output colors, with power levels sufficient for many quantum applications. This breakthrough could enable compact, integrated quantum systems by providing multiple laser colors on a single chip.
Keywords: Optical parametric oscillation, silicon nitride microresonator, laser stabilization, quantum states of light, milliwatt power levels
