AI Insight
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a quasi-periodic photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (QPCSEL) that uses a non-repeating photonic crystal pattern instead of the traditional repeating patterns found in standard PCSELs. The device was fabricated using a buried dielectric platform and represents a new approach to semiconductor laser design. This innovation offers potential improvements in tunability and reliability compared to conventional photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers.
Why it matters
The development could lead to more versatile semiconductor lasers for defense and aerospace applications where reliability and precise tunability are critical requirements. The quasi-periodic design approach opens new possibilities for laser engineering that may overcome limitations of traditional repeating crystal patterns.
Understand the Science
Over the past two decades, photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) have shown promise as a type of advanced semiconductor laser useful in defense- and aerospace-related applications. Typically, these devices are made with photonic crystal patterns that repeat across the area of the device. But new research from the lab of electrical and computer engineering professor Kent Choquette has demonstrated a quasi-periodic photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (QPCSEL). Fabricated with their buried dielectric platform, the group’s device highlights a new avenue for creating tunable, more reliable semiconductor lasers. Their findings appear in Applied Physics Letters.
Source: Nonrepeating photonic crystal may enable more tunable, reliable semiconductor lasers