Independent III-V optoelectronic foundry Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global Ltd (CST Global) of Hamilton (near Glasgow), Scotland, UK is taking the commercial lead on the 14-month research project ‘Quantum Cooling using Mode Controlled Blue Lasers’ (CoolBlue) – which started in April and is funded through the UK government’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) – with Glasgow and Aston Universities as academic partners.
CoolBlue aims to develop next-generation GaN laser technology for use in atomic-cooled, quantum sensors. “Traditional laser sources have proven too complex and inefficient to produce commercially, in this application,” says Thomas Slight, development engineer at CST Global and project lead. “However, direct blue laser diode sources offer increased power and simplicity, with the opportunity to miniaturize quantum sensor formats and produce them in a robust format. The CoolBlue project funds two cycles of laser design, fabrication and test, which we will do at CST Global, optimizing key laser parameters, including power,” he adds.
“Knowledge and expertise generated during this project will allow CST Global to develop new products for the emerging GaN laser markets,” continues Slight. “The successful introduction of these products will create jobs. The additional revenues will be re-invested by CST Global into further, aligned, research projects. Commercialization of academic research by the Universities of Glasgow and Aston should also have a positive impact on further, similar, research opportunities and funding.”
