Dec 27 2010
Researchers in Japan have achieved laser oscillation with the help of a resonator that incorporates 3D-structured photonic crystals. The University of Tokyo’s Professor, Yasuhiko Arakawa has led the research team.
Like plastic models, the 3D-structured photonic crystal is made by manually stacking 2D-structured parts separated from a runner
The scientists have developed a 3D-structured photonic crystal that creates laser oscillation by confining laser light.
According to Arakawa, the photonic crystal is created similar to a plastic model. Arakawa added that only a single crystal could be produced on a single day as the process necessitates increased artisan skills. In position adjustment, the existing margin of error is 50nm.
The portions of the plastic models are detached from a runner frame and later on, the 3D-structured crystals are produced by stacking the 2D-structured portions. The new crystals comprise parts with a thickness of 150 nm and 25 parts are stacked manually by utilizing an electron microscope.