3D photonic crystals could unlock wider potential of lasers

13th October 2020 - 17:30 GMT | by Gerrard Cowan in Belfast

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Crystals reduce energy leaks from unwanted optical transitions, say US Army researchers

A project funded by the US Army Research Office (ARO) has developed a method of fabricating 3D photonic crystals, which could eventually lead to lightweight, high-efficiency lasers with potential uses in directed-energy weapons (DEW) and a range of other military applications.

Lasers require some type of medium to support the optical transitions that create the laser effect, said Dr Evan Runnerstrom, a programme manager at ARO, part of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory (ARL).

He noted that most lasing materials have unwanted optical transitions, which essentially results in energy being leaked. However, 3D photonic crystals essentially

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Gerrard Cowan

Gerrard Cowan is an author having recently published his world-renowned book 'The Machinery'. He …

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