Pure silicon laser debuts Technology Research News from the
University of California at Los Angeles have made a prototype
laser from the stuff of computer chips -- silicon. The laser is
tunable, meaning it can lase in a range of wavelengths, or
colors, and it works at room temperature. The silicon laser
could be used to provide optical wireless communications at a
wavelength that is optimal for transmission through air and even
fog, to detect chemicals and biological molecules, and to
provide an infrared countermeasure capable of jamming heat-
seeking missiles, said Bahram Jalali, a professor of electrical
engineering at UCLA. The device promises to be compatible with
today's silicon manufacturing processes because it amplifies
light using the natural atomic vibrations of silicon rather than
a mix of materials or a particular nanoscale physical structure,
said Jalali. "This is significant because no special impurity or
complicated device structure is needed, and hence the technology
is 100 percent compatible w