Scientists have developed a new platform for the generation and detection of ultrashort UV-C laser pulses on femtosecond timescales. This breakthrough could unlock new opportunities for transforming optical wireless communication systems, material processing applications and medical imaging.
Image Credit: University of Nottingham
Scientists from the University of Nottingham’s School of Physics and Astronomy and Imperial College London have developed a new platform for the generation and detection of ultrashort UV-C laser pulses. The source produces pulses of femtosecond duration, less than 1 trillionth of a second. These pulses are detected at room temperature by sensors based on ultra-thin (two-dimensional, 2D) materials.
Professor Amalia Patané, from the University of Nottingham, led the development of the sensors. She explains: “This work combines for the first time the generation of femtosecond UV-C laser pulses with their fast detection by a new class of 2D semiconductors. These can operate over a wide range of pulse energies and repetition rates, as required for many applications.”
UV-C light is a type of ultraviolet light with shorter wavelength and more energy than UV light of type A and B. Photonic components operating in the UV-C range can unlock new opportunities across science and technology, such as super-resolution microscopy, material processing applications, sterilization, and medical imaging. Strong atmospheric scattering of UV-C light also offers possibilities in modern optical wireless communication systems. Despite its vast potential, the widespread adoption of UV-C technology remains limited by lack of suitable materials and photonic components.
Ben Dewes, PhD student at Nottingham, adds: “The detection of UV-C radiation with 2D materials is still in its infancy. The ability to detect ultrashort pulses, as well as to combine the generation and detection of pulses in free-space, helps pave the way for communication between autonomous systems and robotics.”
Professor John Tisch, who led the research on the laser source at Imperial, adds: “We have exploited phase matched second-order processes in nonlinear optical crystals for the efficient generation of UV-C laser light. The high conversion efficiency marks a significant milestone and provides a foundation for further optimization and scaling of the system into a compact source.”
Tim Klee, PhD student at Imperial, adds: “A compact, efficient and simple UV-C source will benefit the wider scientific and industrial community, stimulating further advances.”