04 November 2024

Nottingham scientists are part of a new ‘SUPERLASER’ research project to design a new type of laser that will use new sustainable materials to achieve high performance.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry are part of the new EU funded project SUPERLASER, an ambitious initiative set to redefine the field of lasing.

Co-ordinated by the National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos" in Athens, the project aims to develop a groundbreaking type of laser based on halide perovskite materials. These innovative lasers promise to deliver high performance, unprecedented precision, and environmental sustainability, making a significant impact on both science and technology.

Ultra-coherent lasers with nearly atomic-linewidth radiation are fundamental for a range of cutting-edge technologies, including quantum computing, accurate time definition, and gravitational wave detection. However, existing laser technologies face significant challenges related to linewidth stability, cost, and environmental impact. Free-electron gas lasers, for instance, require large and costly equipment, while solid-state semiconductor lasers suffer from thermal noise instability.

The use of halide perovskite—a synthetic material with unique intrinsic properties—offers a promising solution to reduce dependency on critical raw materials. SUPERLASER aims to overcome current limitations by developing ultra-narrow linewidth superradiant halide perovskite lasers that are not only more stable and precise than current state of the art lasers, but also environmentally friendly.

Over the next three years, the SUPERLASER team will focus on two main goals: first, identifying new types of perovskite materials that have unique properties due to the interaction between their electron spins and their orbital movements (known as spin-orbit coupling); and second, developing layered structures, called superlattices, that can sustain a state of enhanced light emission, known as superradiance, even at room temperature. The development of these novel materials will reduce dependency on critical raw materials that are currently used in all types of modern electronic devices.

Nottingham is one of nine partners from seven countries on the SUPERLASER project that is funded by the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme with a budget of EUR 3.6 million over three years.

Dr Katherine Inzani’s group at the University of Nottingham is leading the theoretical thrust of SUPERLASER. This will provide materials insights and predictions to enable fabrication of highly precise and efficient lasers with low environmental impact. Computational techniques will be used to calculate the important properties driving superradiance. This will allow selection of the best materials for use in the new laser technology, enabling the experimental partners from across Europe to make these devices.

This ambitious European effort will take us from theoretical materials predictions all the way to device fabrication, establishing a new type of laser that will be crucial to advance high-tech applications including quantum computing

Dr Katherine Inzani, School of Chemistry

Creating lasers that are both powerful and have an extremely precise output while also being environmentally friendly requires highly innovative approaches in the development of new materials and the design of the devices. The interdisciplinary project SUPERLASER will address these challenges by employing synergies across scientific, technological and ecological boundaries.

Dr. Maria Vasilopoulou, Director of Research at the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Throughout the project environmentally sound processes with zero carbon footprint will be applied and recyclability and reuse protocols will be implemented continuously to minimise e-waste and environmental impact.

SUPERLASER’s ultimate goal is to realise the first electrically pumped perovskite laser, potentially paving the way for its application in quantum technologies, photovoltaics, and 6G communications, where coherent light plays a critical role in network synchronisation.

More information about the project can be found at: www.superlaser-project.eu