A breakthrough achieved by researchers at Zhejiang University could pave the way for faster and more efficient computers and smartphones by making it easier to integrate high-performance lasers directly onto silicon chips.

Engineers have been looking for ways to use light for on-chip communications to develop faster computing devices, but the laser materials suitable for this purpose proved difficult and costly to combine with standard silicon technology. While perovskites have shown to be potential low-cost options, they have been held back by a critical flaw — Auger recombination. This is an energy draining effect that has prevented them from operating in continuous or near-continuous modes needed for computing.

The research team at Zhejiang University has now overcome this obstacle with an additive. According to their paper — published in the journal Advanced Photonics — their new approach employs a chemical additive during the manufacturing process. This additive enhanced the perovskite’s crystal structure, suppressing the Auger recombination effect, allowing for efficient conversion of heat to light.

The researchers used the new material to build a laser which they say achieved the best performance ever recorded for a perovskite laser in a near continuous mode — a lasing threshold of 17.3 microjoules per square centimeter and a quality factor of 3850 under quasi-continuous nanosecond pumping. This breakthrough could pave the way for advanced photonic chips, which will result in more powerful processors for electronic devices.

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Chibuike Okpara – Tech Writer – 197 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2024

I have always been fascinated by technology and digital devices my entire life and even got addicted to it. I have always marveled at the intricacy of even the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I have been writing and publishing articles online for about 6 years now, just about a year ago, I found myself lost in the marvel of smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and technologies that come with them and at some point, I asked myself, “Why not get into writing tech articles?” It is useless to say I followed up the idea — it is evident. I am an open-minded individual who derives an infinite amount of joy from researching and discovering new information, I believe there is so much to learn and such a short life to live, so I put my time to good use — learning new things. I am a ‘bookworm’ of the internet and digital devices. When I am not writing, you will find me on my devices still, I do explore and admire the beauty of nature and creatures. I am a fast learner and quickly adapt to changes, always looking forward to new adventures.