At the Nanoscience Institute of the National Research Council (CNR Nano) in Pisa, the first quantum cascade laser entirely designed, developed and optimized in Italy has been realized. The 'heart' of the laser is composed of more than 2,000 layers of nanometer-thick semiconductor material, the result of a collaboration between the research group led by Lucia Sorba, an expert in nanostructure growth, and the team of Miriam Serena Vitiello, an expert in the development of devices at terahertz frequencies. Quantum cascade lasers are innovative lasers because of their compactness, efficiency and versatility. They emit radiation at far-infrared wavelengths with extreme precision, so they have unique potential in detecting gases and other molecules with applications in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics. However, it is a cutting-edge technology that requires complex nanoscale design and assembly, with custom-built quantum materials. "In nature, semiconductors suitable for far-infrared lasers simply do not exist, and artificial materials must be created," Vitiello explained. For Sorba, "Managing the entire process, from design to the growth of materials and their engineering into highly effective laser devices, is an important achievement that demonstrates the excellence of the research conducted at CNR Nano and the ability to master technological challenges". Making the quantum cascade laser core in-house, a process hitherto outsourced to other European laboratories, is a significant technological advantage for CNR Nano researchers. They will be able to develop terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers independently, study them to improve their performance, and explore the many important spin-offs in many areas, such as biomedical, cancer diagnostics, wireless communications, and quantum technologies.
|