NIST researchers, in collaboration with Octave Photonics, are developing a new “any-wavelength” laser technology rather than a formal protocol. Currently in the development phase, this device aims to produce light across a wide spectrum from 400 to 1,600 nanometers by integrating components onto silicon chips. It utilizes a material called tantala to convert light efficiently, offering a compact and low-power alternative to the large, expensive lasers typically required for high-precision work.
This advancement holds significant potential for quantum technologies, particularly optical atomic clocks and quantum computers, which rely on specific laser wavelengths to function. By making these components smaller and more energy-efficient, the project aims to enable field-deployable timekeeping devices and help transition quantum systems from laboratory experiments to practical infrastructure. While no specific implementation date is set, the technology promises to accelerate the broader adoption of high-precision quantum devices in the future.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/noac/any-wavelength-laser
Keywords: integrated photonics, optical atomic clocks, nonlinear optics
