Integrated-photonics laser has record-narrow chip-based linewidth of 290 Hz

July 6, 2017
The hybrid chip-based laser also has a tuning range of 81 nm in the 1550 nm region.

Researchers from the University of Twente's MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and chipmaking company LioniX International (both in Enschede, Netherlands) have developed the world's most-narrowband laser diode on a chip.1

The tunable indium phosphide/silicon nitride (InP-Si3N4) hybrid integrated-photonics laser has an intrinsic laser linewidth of only 290 Hz and a spectral coverage of 81 nm at 1550 nm.

Team leader Klaus Boller of the University of Twente notes that the laser is ten times more coherent (ten times narrower bandwidth) than any other laser on a chip.

The researchers say that the new laser will bring numerous applications within reach that include controlling movable antennae on phone masts for 5G mobile internet, faster fiber-optic data transmission, and more-accurate GPS systems and sensors for monitoring the structural integrity of buildings and bridges.

Sources:

https://www.utwente.nl/en/news/!/2017/7/54645/university-of-twente-develops-record-laser-on-chip

http://www.lionix-international.com/ultra-narrow-linewidth-tunable-laser-available/

REFERENCE:

1. Youwen Fan et al., CLEO QELS 2017, paper JTh5C.9, https://www.osapublishing.org/abstract.cfm?URI=CLEO_AT-2017-JTh5C.9

About the Author

John Wallace | Senior Technical Editor (1998-2022)

John Wallace was with Laser Focus World for nearly 25 years, retiring in late June 2022. He obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and physics at Rutgers University and a master's in optical engineering at the University of Rochester. Before becoming an editor, John worked as an engineer at RCA, Exxon, Eastman Kodak, and GCA Corporation.

Sponsored Recommendations

How to Tune Servo Systems: Force Control

Oct. 23, 2024
Tuning the servo system to meet or exceed the performance specification can be a troubling task, join our webinar to learn to optimize performance.

Laser Machining: Dynamic Error Reduction via Galvo Compensation

Oct. 23, 2024
A common misconception is that high throughput implies higher speeds, but the real factor that impacts throughput is higher accelerations. Read more here!

Boost Productivity and Process Quality in High-Performance Laser Processing

Oct. 23, 2024
Read a discussion about developments in high-dynamic laser processing that improve process throughput and part quality.

Precision Automation Technologies that Minimize Laser Cut Hypotube Manufacturing Risk

Oct. 23, 2024
In this webinar, you will discover the precision automation technologies essential for manufacturing high-quality laser-cut hypotubes. Learn key processes, techniques, and best...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!