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January 06, 2021

Advancements In Laser Technology In 2020



Virtually everyone is familiar with lasers -; at least on some level. Regardless of if this familiarity refers to the use of lasers by Darth Vader or by surgeons, there is no question that this is an impressive technology. Even today, advancements are being made in the laser technology field.



From laser metal cutting to using lasers for delicate eye surgery, the full abilities of lasers are still unknown. The entire concept of using lasers for various things began four decades ago when a system was created to read barcodes on packages of chewing gum. Today, though, lasers are used in all types of applications.

It Is Just the Beginning

The future of lasers is bright according to experts in the field. It is believed that in the future, lasers may be used for developing faster communication systems when they are used with silicon photonics.

While using silicon for optical devices does have some potential drawbacks -; for example, it is a subpar light emitter, which means it cannot be used for making a laser that is electrically pumped. What this means is that lasers must be fabricated using a completely separate III-V semiconductor wafer before they are aligned individually with the silicon devices. The issues, though, are that this process is expensive and it will limit the total number of lasers that are able to be used on the single silicon photonic circuit.

However, if the wafer bonding technique is used, there are some hybrid silicon lasers that will be fabricated along with the silicon wafer and all aligned to the devices. Some of the possible applications for this include the ability to fabricate hundreds of different hybrid silicon lasers on the die and then using silicon photonics for combining them to create extremely fast optical communication systems.

What's Up Next for the Laser Technology Industry?

It is also believed that lasers are going to be a key element in energy plans. One example of this would-be using lasers to detect wind changes and to ensure that modern wind turbines have been positioned to capture as much power as they can. The lasers may also be used as a part of a laser-activated fusion, which would make them a new source of energy.

The potential for lasers is virtually endless. For example, the use of lasers is already common in most manufacturing facilities. They provide a high level of precision and deliver the power necessary for welding, scribing, and for precise 3D and 2D metrology. However, that is not all. Lasers are also used for cutting fabric, creating patterns in glass blocks, customizing plaques and trophies, and so much more.

In a medical setting, lasers are used by eye clinics, dental surgeries, in hospitals, and more. The applications of this technology are vast and continuing to grow as people are discovering new and exciting ways to harness the power of the laser.

Preparing for the Future

In the laser industry, it is believed that technology is going to lead to even higher levels of precision and accuracy. This is something that is invaluable for many of the industries that rely on this technology. Being informed and knowing what lasers offer and how they work is the best way to make the most of this technology and what it offers.



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