Graphene plasmons used to create tunable terahertz laser

A team of researchers working at the University of Manchester in the U.K has developed a tunable teraherz laser using the unique properties of graphene plasmons. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their approach, the four prototypes they produced, how well the lasers worked and the direction they plan to take to fashion the new technology into a usable device.

The Laser Focus World take:

Terahertz technology continues to advance both in terms of terahertz sources and detectors, with new applications coming to the fore weekly. Note that some recent breakthroughs are based on quantum-cascade laser (QCL) technology. In addition, reflecting the growing interest in terahertz research and potential applications, the International Consortium of THz Photonics and Optoelectronics was formed by 71 organizations meeting in Moscow this past December -- new members encouraged.

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By Conard Holton
Editor in Chief
Laser Focus World