Approach

The first step is to predict stable perovskite phases with strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), which is essential for applications requiring ultra-narrow linewidths. SOC can enhance electronic band splitting, which might influence the optical properties of materials and contribute to fine-tuned emission properties.

After having successfully selected the target materials for synthesis, the team will explore proper methods to fabricate large crystals.
To enhance the perovskite’s ability to emit light, continuous superlattices will be created. A superlattice is a periodic arrangement of alternating “layers” of two or more materials which organize themselves in a new lattice, called the superlattice. The superlattice constant is much higher than the atomic constant of constituent materials, granting superlattices extraordinary properties, such as extreme exciton localization, which will be investigated in SUPERLASER materials.

The team expects that the developed perovskite superlattices will sustain their superradiance at room temperature due to the coherence protected by their non-trivial topology. Superradiance is a phenomenon where a group of atoms emits light in a highly coordinated and coherent manner, leading to a burst of intense, synchronized radiation. Superradiance is easier to achieve at very low temperatures, where thermal noise is greatly reduced. For practical applications, however, it is crucial to achieve superradiance at room temperature, to avoid expensive cooling systems and to fulfil the sustainability and energy efficiency requirements of this project.

The primary and most ambitious goal of this project is to achieve, for the first time, electrically driven perovskite lasers. This will be accomplished through a holistic material and device fabrication approach aimed at maximizing optical gain, enhancing carrier injection efficiency, minimizing parasitic capacitance, and improving the system's tolerance to Joule heating. A comprehensive strategy will be employed to design and optimize perovskite laser diodes, utilizing solution-based fabrication methods. The ultimate objective is to develop electrically excited perovskite lasers capable of stable operation at room temperature, including both superradiant laser sources and conventional laser diodes.

To realize superradiant laser sources, the materials developed by the consortium will be integrated into perovskite laser diode stacks. Advanced structures, such as superlattices, will be incorporated into the electrically driven architecture, targeting gain media capable of sustaining superradiance at low pumping thresholds, even at room temperature. The performance of these superradiant lasers will be evaluated by measuring lasing thresholds and output intensity under various excitation conditions. Moreover, combined electrical and optical pumping experiments will be conducted as key indicators of progress toward a fully electrically pumped superradiant source.

This project aims at minimizing e-waste and environmental impact by developing protocols for recycling and reusing materials and by limiting the materials used to non-critical materials. This includes calculating the life cycle and energy use of materials and processes, creating new fabrication methods to reduce waste and energy consumption, and reusing toxic lead (Pb) in perovskites.

The project aims to develop fully recyclable, sustainable devices with zero e-waste. The goal is to demonstrate 100% recyclable perovskite lasers and reuse inorganic materials, saving over 30% of materials compared to traditional methods.