| Project Detail |
Optical transitions in atoms and ions are used in precise interferometry, quantum computation (QC) and accurate clock applications, and the research in these fields has led the birth of a laser spectroscopy industry. Currently, this industry is growing, and smaller lasers are already finding their way into exciting transportable applications, such as rockets. QC possesses extensive market potential, and is expected to surpass the $2 billion mark over the next five years. QC industry is a forerunner in adopting tomorrow’s technologies, and the demand they create for new high-tech will also benefit other domains. Currently, QC is facing an enormous bottleneck – computers occupy large spaces in a way reminiscent of the 1960’s, when personal computers filled entire rooms but could carry out only the simplest operations. At the heart of miniaturization efforts for quantum computers are compact, reliable and inexpensive laser systems.
In our laboratory, we faced the very same problem with our laser spectroscopy setup and were frustrated by the amount of time we had to devote to maintenance. We made an exciting innovation to overcome the current challenges. The key lies on the design of our Extended-Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL)-based setup, which combines the best features of current laser configurations (Littrow/Cateye). We use a novel design which makes the operation of the ECDL virtually free from any mechanical hysteresis-related problems. We can also fit the laser inside a miniaturized power supply, and achieve a considerably smaller volume for the unit. Therefore, we can create a compact, reliable and cost-effective laser system attractive for various applications. In the PoC, we will carry out a technology PoC and a commercialization PoC to improve the time to market of our exciting approach to laser spectroscopy. |
