Swedish Researchers Achieve Groundbreaking Breakthrough, Revolutionizing Microcombs for Space and Healthcare Discoveries
Swedish researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have made an extraordinary breakthrough in the field of microcombs, significantly enhancing their efficiency by tenfold. This revolutionary development holds immense potential for advancements in space exploration and healthcare technology.
Microcombs are instrumental in the quest for discovering planets beyond our solar system and tracking diseases within the human body. However, existing microcombs suffer from inefficiency, preventing them from reaching their full capabilities. With this groundbreaking solution, the Swedish researchers have overcome this hurdle, propelling microcombs to new heights and paving the way for high-performance lasers in various sectors.
Laser frequency combs have long been recognized for their precision in measuring frequencies and are considered one of the most disruptive innovations since the invention of lasers. Microcombs, in simple terms, can be likened to rulers made of light. They operate by using a laser to circulate photons within a microresonator, dividing the light into a wide range of frequencies. These frequencies are precisely arranged, much like markings on a ruler, enabling the creation of a diverse light source comprising hundreds or even thousands of frequencies in synchronization, reminiscent of lasers working in unison.
Considering that nearly all optical measurements are reliant on light frequencies, microcombs have extensive applications, from calibrating instruments used in the search for exoplanets millions of light-years away to monitoring and tracking our health through the analysis of our exhaled breath.
The primary challenge with previous microcombs was their limited efficiency, hindering their broad societal impact. The conversion efficiency between the laser and the microcomb was relatively weak, resulting in only a fraction of the laser beam’s power being usable. However, the Chalmers research team has successfully developed a method to amplify the microcomb’s laser beams by ten times their previous strength.
The breakthrough involves the utilization of two microresonators instead of one, creating a unique ensemble with enhanced properties that surpass the individual components’ capabilities. One of the microresonators allows for the efficient coupling of light from the laser with the other resonator, akin to the concept of impedance matching in electronics.
The increased efficiency of these microcombs holds transformative potential, as it makes high-performance laser technology accessible to various markets. For instance, frequency combs could be utilized in lidar modules for autonomous driving, GPS satellites, environmental sensing drones, and even data centers to support bandwidth-intensive artificial intelligence applications.
Recognizing the extensive possibilities, the researchers have patented this technology and have established Iloomina AB, a company dedicated to bringing this breakthrough to a wider market.
The study leading to this significant advancement was conducted by a team of dedicated researchers from Chalmers University of Technology’s Department of Photonics and Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience. Financial support for the project was provided by the European Research Council and the Swedish Research Council.
This groundbreaking achievement by Swedish researchers has propelled microcombs into a new era of efficiency and performance. With its remarkable implications for space exploration, healthcare, and other industries, the future holds exciting prospects for these high-performance laser technologies.
