SUPERLASER

Light with extremely narrow bandwidth (= with extremely low range of frequencies) is necessary for a number of advanced technologies such as quantum computing, but sources are currently limited to lasers using free-electron gas or solid-state semiconductor gain material, which is stabilised in high-quality optical cavities. However, the mirrors at each end of the cavity, used to reflect light back and forth and amplify it through stimulated emission, vibrate as a result of thermal noise (temperature induced movement), causing time-integrated phase drifts that limit the laser linewidth. To achieve high power and extremely precise output (similar to the precision seen in individual atomic transitions), while also finding pathways for e-waste reduction, requires ingenious solutions in both gain material and device design but still remain elusive.

SUPERLASER aims to change the field of lasing by developing sustainable, low-cost, solution-processable efficient and ultra-narrow linewidth superradiant halide perovskite lasers. This goal is accomplished by predicting and developing targets to transforming coherent light generation through scientific designs and strategic developments at the material and device level towards synergistic outcomes across scientific, technological and ecological boundaries. The project prioritises research innovation and sustainability, focussing on the prediction of halide perovskites with strong inherent spin-orbit-coupling and the successful development of continuous superlattices based on the predicted materials. These superradiant emitters are expected to act as topological lasers without any additional cavity requirements due to photonic crystal properties endowed by their non-trivial topology. They are applied as gain media combined with energetically matched charge transport materials to fabricate the first electrically pumped perovskite lasers working at room temperature. Throughout the whole project, recycle and reuse protocols are developed and applied to ensure zero e-waste for the developed technology.