An international team of researchers led by Professor Zhipei Sun from Aalto University, Tampere University and Peking University has presented a new method to produce light with the broadest spectral coverage on a scale of less than 100 nanometers. The study was published in the journal Light: Science and Applications (LSA).
Since the invention of the laser in 1960, scientists have been actively trying to expand the spectral range of light. One of the most promising technologies is supercontinuum generation, which makes it possible to produce light in a wide range of visible and infrared spectrum. However, this technology is difficult to use and requires the use of long wavelengths to achieve the desired result.
In their new work, the researchers turned to a technology that allowed them to achieve much higher efficiency: second-order optical nonlinearity. They used ultrafine crystals of gallium selenide (GaSe) and niobium dioxide iodide (NbOI2), avoiding phase incompatibility issues that limit the effectiveness of bulk-based methods.
Scientists have successfully implemented a difference frequency generation process that allows them to create coherent light with a broad spectrum covering the 565 to 1906 nm range. This method provides significant energy savings and enables the use of materials five times thinner than conventional light sources. The light conversion efficiency at the nanoscale has increased to over 0.66% per micrometer; this significantly exceeds the results obtained using bulk materials.
The method developed by the researchers proves that manipulating light at the nanoscale can lead to innovative solutions that will change the way light is used in science and technology. Nano rainbow promises to be a new step in the evolution of optical systems.
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Source: Gazeta

Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.