News: Optoelectronics
10 January 2024
BluGlass secures first order for alpha prototype blue GaN DFB lasers
BluGlass Ltd of Silverwater, Australia — which develops and manufactures gallium nitride (GaN) blue laser diodes based on its proprietary low-temperature, low-hydrogen remote-plasma chemical vapor deposition (RPCVD) technology — has secured its first purchase order of alpha gallium nitride (GaN) distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. The customer is a “pioneer in photonic and fiber-based laser technology” and will use BluGlass’ prototype blue DFB lasers in the development of defence, aviation and scientific applications.
Quantum sensing, navigation and computing applications are driving significant demand for compact single-frequency laser light sources, such as GaN DFB lasers, says BluGlass. Single-frequency visible lasers have unique characteristics required to stimulate quantum transitions for highly promising military and commercial applications, including advanced robotics, bio-medical applications, and atomic clocks for quantum navigation, the firm adds.
In addition to quantum applications, the unique performance properties of single-wavelength visible lasers can also enable advances in ranging and underwater communication, gas sensing, stand-off threat detection, and high-performance spectroscopy applications. GaN DFB lasers are a suitable candidate to facilitate the strict frequency, beam fidelity, narrow linewidth, and the high power and efficiency that these next-generation technologies require, BluGlass says.
BluGlass claims to be one of the first companies to develop viable DFB lasers in gallium nitride, as part of its partnership with the University of California Santa Barbara’s SLEEC (Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center) consortium.
“Our first customer order of BluGlass prototype GaN DFBs reflects the significant interest in these ultra-precision lasers for quantum, defence and commercial applications,” notes CEO Jim Haden. “Novel capabilities such as DFB lasers form a key pillar of our growth strategy, and we will continue to leverage our RPCVD technology to enhance BluGlass’ DFB lasers, achieving advanced single-frequency performance at blue wavelengths and beyond.”
BluGlas cautions that, while this order reflects a significant strategic step in its development of laser diodes and demonstrates customer need for GaN DFB lasers, the revenue for the order is immaterial.
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