TopoLight is developing the next generation of semiconductor lasers and a unified design framework for a wide range of applications. This advancement increases the efficiency of lasers for low-power applications and enables the creation of compact devices capable of emitting high-intensity coherent light.
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Rushin Contractor
Rushin Contractor, co-founder and CTO of TopoLight is using his extensive experience in optoelectronics and photonic design to enhance the performance of semiconductor lasers. His expertise is built on research conducted during his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at UC Berkeley. Contractor also holds a B.Tech and M.S. in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, respectively.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
Lasers are integral to nearly every sector of the ongoing technological revolution. Semiconductor lasers are particularly essential due to their high power density and ability to directly integrate with electronic components. However, these lasers suffer from performance degradation as their size or power increases, making them unsuitable for many applications. Their replacements are bulky solid-state or gas lasers that are 4-6X less efficient, leading to increased energy consumption and higher maintenance costs.
Technology Vision
TopoLight is developing a new class of semiconductor lasers that can maintain optimal performance regardless of size or shape. Central to this advancement is the use of photonic crystals, precisely engineered synthetic materials that allow for unparalleled control over the properties of light. Drawing inspiration from Nobel Prize-winning research in topological physics, the technology leverages these concepts to create laser cavities that produce uniform emission across the aperture, ultimately enhancing the laser's efficiency and scalability.
Potential for Impact
A small, efficient, and powerful semiconductor laser promises substantial societal benefits on multiple fronts. This includes improving energy efficiency in data transmission and manufacturing, leading to reduced electricity usage and carbon emissions. Using higher precision laser-based manufacturing techniques can empower new industries and drive innovation in product development. These lasers' customizable properties also enable advanced imaging, sensing, and treatment technologies to be integrated into smaller packages, extending their reach to remote locations. Upcoming technologies such as autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and quantum computing are also expected to rely on compact, high-performance lasers.