Most of the discoveries in science are unforeseen, just like this one! A Princeton led batch of researchers has discovered a new type of laser when they spotted an unpredicted beam of light while working with a quantum cascade laser. This new laser is less sensitive to temperature changes and needs less power compared to the traditional laser beams.

Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are a new generation of miniature lasers that measure 3 millimeters in length and are ten times less thick than human hair. Though made of hundreds of layers of diverse semiconductor materials, they are only a few atoms thick and run well even at lower currents thus making them appropriate for use in the futuristic industrial sensors and medical devices.

The researcher and originator of the laser, Kale Franz expects his discovery to open a new arena to improve laser performance. Therefore, probably very soon in the future, we will see devices running on this novel nanotechnology invention saving some power and space. All the best, QCL!

Source: TechRadar