https://cdn.specpick.com/images/photonics/thestarwarss.png712370

In a recent research study, a team of researchers at Macquarie University have proven a method for multiplying laser power using diamond, demonstrating, that a laser similar to the Star Wars 'super-laser' may no longer remain a science fiction. The research demonstrates a concept - reminiscent of the Star Wars' Death Star sci-fi laser - where the power of multiple laser beams is transferred into a single intense output beam that can be directed to the intended target.

The new laser development has real-world and high-stakes applications in which high power lasers are seen as a key tool in areas such as defence. Researchers have been developing high power lasers to combat threats to security from the increased proliferation of low-cost drones and missile technology. These types of lasers are also now needed in space applications including powering space vehicles and tackling the growing space junk problem that threatens satellites.

The key to the high-powered beam is placing an ultra-pure diamond crystal at the point of convergence, and the beam-combining is achieved in diamond by harnessing a co-operative effect of the crystal that causes intense light beams to transfer their power into a selected direction while avoiding the beam distortion problems of single laser technologies. Diamond beam combining is a novel alternative to other concepts being currently trialed elsewhere in the world, and in this study, beam combining in diamond has the unique advantage that the process also changes the colour of the laser beam.

Although other materials have exhibited the same type of beam combining properties, the choice of diamond is essential for high power. The power-transfer effect at the heart of the device, called Raman scattering, is particularly strong in diamond. Also, crucially, diamond is outstanding for its ability to rapidly dissipate waste heat. Click here to read the published paper.