Spectrally pure ultra-coherent light is vital to many applications, such as quantum computation and quantum synchronization, accurate time definition, detection of gravity waves, ground-state cooling, and so on.
Coherent light sources are currently limited to state-of-the art lasers, based on amplified stimulated emission from free-electron gas or solid-state semiconductor gain media, stabilized to high-quality (high-Q) optical cavities. However, these laser technologies face a number of limitations:
Free-electron gas lasers rely on large and bulky radio-frequency accelerators, hence being of high cost, while also contributing to the huge amount of electronic waste (e-waste) that our world is increasingly producing. Although solid-state p-n junction semiconductor lasers are more compact, they suffer from severe instability induced by Joule heating caused by the high current densities required to achieve population inversion. Moreover, all these state-of-the art lasers typically require high-Q cavities with resonance bandwidth far narrower than the spectral linewidth of the gain profile. Nevertheless, the mirrors in these cavities vibrate, as a result of thermal noise, causing time-integrated phase drifts that limit the laser linewidth.
Ultra-coherent lasers constitute the fundamental sources of nearly atomic-linewidth radiation, with huge impact on science and technology. Therefore, they represent an extremely important research topic with a wealth of open fundamental problems, such as a full understanding of wavelength and phase locking mechanisms.
SUPERLASER addresses these current limitations in laser-technology.
Fostering Innovation
SUPERLASER will develop disruptive knowledge, materials, processes, and devices, in order to fabricate ultracoherent and intense superradiant lasers based on perovskite superlattices. The project involves and empowers key actors that have the potential to take the lead in translating research into innovations in the future.
Novel Materials and Device Design
SUPERLASER will develop novel materials for the fabrication of ultra-coherent and intense super radiant lasers of low cost, with minimum requirements in energy, and low carbon footprint, targeting to zero e-waste. By following a holistic, groundbreaking material and device engineering approach, the consortium will greatly enhance the stability of perovskite light-emitting diodes, significantly improving the efficiency of the aforementioned devices.
Disruptive Technologies
The project’s results will significantly impact multiple science and technology sectors, such as photovoltaics, transistors (found in all types of modern devices), and 6G technology. In addition, SUPERLASER aspires to significantly reduce the dependency on critical raw materials, like cobalt and rare earth elements, which are currently heavily relied on in electronics.
The SUPERLASER project’s aims align well with the EU Chips Act and the Green Deal by addressing critical technological and environmental challenges in semi-conductor and laser technologies. By developing ultra-coherent and powerful lasers based on perovskite superlattices, SUPERLASER directly supports the EU Chips Act’s objective to enhance Europe’s semiconductor capabilities, fostering innovation in next-generation photonic devices that are crucial for 6G technology, advanced computing, and other high-tech applications. Its focus on low-cost, energy-efficient, and low-carbon materials aligns with the Green Deal’s goals of reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable manufacturing processes. SUPERLASER’s commitment to minimizing reliance on critical raw materials, like cobalt and rare earth elements, further supports the EU’s vision of reducing strategic dependencies and fostering a circular economy, contributing to a greener and more resilient European technology landscape.