The team conducts research in laser physics and engineering of optically-pumped semiconductor lasers, particularly semiconductor disk lasers (also known as vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting-lasers, or VECSELs). The group is led by Prof Hastie, who has built the team’s activity in ultra-narrow linewidth semiconductor lasers for metrology following an EPSRC Challenging Engineering award in 2011.
Prof Hastie subsequently joined the leadership team of the UK National Quantum Technologies Hub for Sensors and Metrology (2014-2019) and Hub for Sensing and Timing (2019-2024), leading the high performance lasers work package, and continues to lead this work in the follow-on A UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (2024-2029). These grants support our research into compact, high performance semiconductor laser with:
- novel wavelength emission in the UV, visible and IR spectral regions;
- advanced wavelength flexibility and tunability;
- high spatial and spectral brightness;
- ultra-narrow linewidth and low noise.
by investigating
- novel semiconductor materials;
- novel material processing;
- intra-cavity techniques, including non-linear and tunable crystalline Raman conversion, and spanning ultraviolet;
- novel frequency stabilisation techniques; and
- engineering and development of laser systems and cavities.
with application in lithography, metrology, fundamental science and quantum technologies for position, navigation and timing.
