Scientists at NIST have developed a new type of tiny laser that fills the “green gap” in visible light wavelengths. The green gap refers to the lack of stable, miniature lasers that emit light at yellow and green wavelengths. The NIST researchers modified a ring-shaped microresonator to generate more than 150 distinct wavelengths across the green gap.
This breakthrough has opened up new opportunities in underwater communications, medical treatments, and other fields. A miniature source of green laser light could improve underwater communication because water is nearly transparent to blue-green wavelengths in most aquatic environments. Other potential applications include full-color laser projection displays and laser treatment of medical conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy.
The breakthrough also has significant implications for quantum computing and communication, which could potentially store data in qubits. The researchers are now working to improve the energy efficiency of the green-gap laser colors, which is currently only a few percent of that of the input laser.
Keywords: Microresonator, Qubits, Laser Technology, Quantum Computing, Quantum Information
