BLG - General Discussion, page-616

This is just up on the website... FANTASTIC PROGRESS.

https://bluglass.com/app/uploads/Investor-Summary_DFB_Laser_White-paper-2024-FINAL.pdf

BluGlass improves novel GaN DFB laser performance for quantum applications Highlights
▪ BluGlass has made significant advances in its blue single-frequency DFB performance
o 74% increase in power conversion efficiency at 115 mW of operating power
o Doubling of side-mode-suppression ratio
▪ Market feedback provides a better overview of the quantum opportunity
Unlocking the laser opportunity in quantum

Quantum information science is rapidly advancing, driving urgent need for compact, single-wavelength (singlefrequency) laser light sources. Advancements in quantum computing and quantum applications are being underpinned by stimulated light interaction with unique materials, down to the atomic scale, requiring specific wavelengths to target individual atomic interactions. The physics of nature dictates the unique wavelengths required to interact with specific atoms, crystals, and the environment. Many of these needed wavelengths are in the near ultra-violet (UVA) and visible spectrums. Due to their unique lasing properties, gallium nitride (GaN) lasers are ideally positioned to address these nature-dictated UVA and visible wavelengths. Emerging quantum markets present an enormous opportunity for visible laser diode manufacturers, such as BluGlass, as many of the enabling atomic transitions occur at visible wavelengths and are being increasingly sought after by customers in highly promising applications, including advanced robotics and bio-medical devices. Brain-driven prosthetic automation and atomic clocks for quantum navigation used in military and commercial applications are good examples of this next-generation tech. In its 2021 quantum report McKinsey & Company reported, “Quantum computing, one of the most revolutionary technologies of our time, is still a decade away from widespread commercial application. However, less well known, but of critical industrial and scientific importance, are two related technologies that are set to become available much earlier: quantum sensing (QS) and quantum communication (QComm).” Quantum sensing technologies are advancing more quickly and are positioned to become available sooner than full-scale quantum computers. These include ultra-precise sensors for advanced defence and aviation applications for measuring gravity, magnetic fields, and time. Further, these technologies will enable atomic clocks, which serve as the backbone for quantum navigation and synchronisation. Finally, quantum communication (QComm) is an emerging technology promising unbreakable encryption and secure communication via quantum key distribution (QKD). Visible lasers in single frequencies will be essential for both QS and QComm systems. BluGlass’ compact distributed feedback (DFB) lasers present a significant opportunity to pave the way for secure quantum communication networks. The global quantum application market is forecast by Precedence Research to reach US$125 billion by 2030, growing at ~37% year on year from 2022 to 2030. Due to their unique performance properties, single-wavelength visible laser sources, will also enable advancements in underwater ranging and communication, and underpin next generation display and wearable technologies, including augmented and virtual reality applications. Overcoming industry challenges Presently, quantum computing demonstrations are relegated to room-scale applications, and quantum intelligence applications to large benchtop equipment, requiring large external cavity lasers, tunable dye lasers, and other sizeable, expensive advanced laser technologies. These advanced systems consume significant power and space, employing large, air-conditioned rooms reminiscent of 1950’s computer systems; and are assembled and aligned one-at-a-time. GaN-based DFB lasers offer a highly attractive alternative to these prohibitively large and expensive systems. These compact devices are fabricated and aligned photolithographically at the wafer level, with thousands of devices being processed simultaneously on one two-inch wafer, while still enabling the strict frequency, beam fidelity, narrow linewidth requirements, and the high power and efficiency these next-generation quantum technologies require. This is needed to facilitate both the scale-up in volume and scale-down in size for quantum applications to gain mass market penetration. While DFB lasers are available in infra-red wavelengths, the technology to enable laser stimulations in the near UV and visible wavelengths is not commercially available due to the challenges in precision design and manufacturing of GaN-based DFBs. BluGlass’ recent breakthroughs in GaN-based DFB laser diodes offer a game-changing solution for these emerging markets. The Company’s visible DFB lasers have demonstrated near single wavelengths with extremally narrow full width at half-maximum (FWHM) wavelength distribution and high side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), which is the suppression of undesirable wavelengths. These compact DFB devices enable integration onto portable platforms and volume production to address quantum markets and applications. Distributed Feedback (DFB) Lasers Standard laser diodes, called Fabry-Perot (FP) lasers are a commonly used type of laser that produce a relatively wide spectral width (range of multiple wavelengths). FP lasers are ideal for many high-power applications such as industrial cutting and welding, 3D printing, communications, and materials processing. For applications that require extreme precision and ultra narrow spectral width and stability, a single frequency laser is required. A DFB laser is a type of semiconductor laser that incorporates a periodic structure along the length of the laser. This structure, called a diffraction grating, causes an interference pattern of the light that suppresses undesired wavelengths of light while reinforcing the emission of a single, desired wavelength (and frequency). In simplest terms, DFB lasers produce a very sharp output of light of only one wavelength, creating an ultra-narrow spectral linewidth. DFB lasers offer precise wavelength control, stability, and coherence over traditional laser structures due to the ability to produce light output with ultra-precise line widths with good side mode suppression, making them ideal candidates for quantum technologies. Ultra-violet to green DFB applications: GaN lasers spanning the ultra-violet to green wavelengths from 369nm and 535nm have potential for critical applications:
▪ Quantum Computing: Near UV lasers address atomic transitions in trapped ions or neutral atoms - a fundamental requirement for quantum information processing. These precise wavelengths allow quantum computer scientists to create and manipulate quantum states and perform quantum cooling.
▪ Precision Atomic and Ion Clocks: Precise frequency references for atomic clocks rely on near UV lasers to interrogate ions’ hyperfine transitions. These clocks play crucial roles in global navigation systems and cutting-edge scientific experiments.
▪ Magnetic Sensing: Visible narrow linewidth lasers interact with specific atomic or molecular transitions, allowing precise measurements of magnetic fields. These finely tuned sensors find applications in robotics, geophysics, materials science, and medical diagnostics.
▪ Underwater LiDAR: Near UV (and visible) lasers penetrate water effectively, making them ideal for underwater range-finding and imaging.
▪ Atmospheric LiDAR: Visible lasers help study atmospheric composition, wind patterns, and pollution levels.
▪ Biophotonics: Fluorescence microscopy and other biological imaging techniques benefit from near UV lasers.
▪ Space Communication: Visible lasers enable high-speed data transmission between satellites and ground stations.
▪ Undersea Communication: In underwater communication systems, visible lasers offer reliable data links.
▪ Atomic Colours (also applicable in the visible wavelengths): These lasers enable spectroscopy and imaging of atomic energy levels, revealing “colours” unique to specific elements. By studying the “colours” emitted or absorbed during atomic interactions, engineers and scientists gain insights into atomic structure and behaviour.
▪ E-Field Sensing: Electric field sensors utilise visible lasers to probe energy level shifts caused by external electric fields.