Researchers have managed to install a laser directly on a silicon chip, a breakthrough that could bolster a variety of technologies, including gas sensors and space communication systems. Scientists have previously integrated diode lasers and silicon chips, but diode lasers aren't able to generate beams at longer wavelengths, diminishing their potential applications. To improve upon the technology, researchers turned to quantum cascade lasers, not without problems tho. Previous laser-silicon marriages used silicon dioxide in the integration component known as the waveguide. Silicon Dioxide absorbs longer wavelengths, inhibiting laser beam production. The research team designed a new waveguide, using a layer of silicon nitride to insulate the new laser from the silicon dioxide. http://www.upi.com/Science_News/201...antum-cascade-laser-on-silicon/6161461167829/
