BluGlass demonstrates world-record single-mode gallium nitride laser performance

BluGlass (ASX: BLG) has demonstrated a world-leading performance of its single-mode gallium nitride (GaN) lasers, showcasing 1,250 milliwatts (mW) of power from a single laser chip while maintaining a single-spatial mode.

The breakthrough performance was enabled by combining a blue (450-nanometre) single-mode laser master oscillator with an integrated power amplifier in a single monolithic chip (SM-MOPA) to boost power with minimal beam distortion or increase in noise.

BluGlass believes this is the highest published result either commercially or academically and it improves upon the company’s previously reported 750-mW single-mode performance by more than 67%.

Combined benefits

BluGlass’ high-power SM-MOPA combines the benefits of a single-mode laser with small form factor advantages for high-precision applications requiring high brightness and high power.

It offers crucial benefits for applications where precise and stable performance is essential.

These include quantum sensing and navigation, next-generation defence and aviation, space and satellite communications and underwater light detection and ranging.

Record achievement

BluGlass chief executive officer Jim Haden praised the company’s record achievement.

“These lasers pave the way for scaling power at high fidelity, producing stable laser beams that can be more easily and cost-effectively packaged to meet the demands of next-generation applications where precise and stable performance is essential,” he said.

“Most high-powered visible lasers sacrifice beam quality and precision to achieve more power in larger form factors.”

“Our advanced integration capabilities will enable industry to pioneer innovations by increasing power without sacrificing precision and beam stability.”

Precision and fidelity

Despite being challenging to manufacture at high powers, single-mode GaN lasers are sought after for their high precision and high fidelity.

“The monolithic chip design means we can manufacture high-fidelity power and performance at the wafer level, drastically improving size, weight and cost for defence applications and eliminating several downstream packaging steps,” Mr Haden said.

“Our strategic focus on scaling power at high fidelity for the precision market led to this world-record single-mode visible power and the quadrupling of power in our narrow linewidth lasers.”

“It is a direct response to market demand and shows why we continue to be selected as a partner of choice by global industry leaders.”