Israeli and German researchers collaborate to present vertical lasers

• Author: JERUSALEM POST STAFF
• Published date: 28 September 2021
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The findings were published in a joint research paper published by Science last Friday. This collaboration had been ongoing since a couple of months into the coronavirus pandemic.

Everyday technology uses Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs), which are present in phones, cars, or data transmission. Scientists have wanted to enhance its power through such devices by combining many VCSELs and forcing them to act as a single coherent laser, but with no success.

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However, in this current breakthrough, the team used a topological platform to demonstrate an array of lasers. Now the light is emitted through the surface of a planar chip.

Years ago, Prof. Mordechai Segev of the Technion group demonstrated how light can travel around the edges of a two-dimensional array of waveguides by using the first Phonotic Topological Insulator.

The research group then utilized the concepts of topological photonics with VCSELs that emit light vertically, which results in a strong and powerful laser, proving that it is possible for VCSELs to be an integral component to making an efficient laser.

"It is fascinating to see how science evolves," said Prof. Segev...