Pre-commercialization of new generation Atomic-layer-deposited Lasers for future green high-performance data centers

Project Information

A-Laser

Grant agreement ID: 101082183

DOI

10.3030/101082183

Project closed

EC signature date 8 September 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 30 June 2024

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SR
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - A-Laser (Pre-commercialization of new generation Atomic-layer-deposited Lasers for future green high-performance data centers)

Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2024-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project is about making light-emitting devices more efficient. This was based on our earlier studies using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Our group made light sources that are easy to build on a silicon platform using a simple, cheap and scalable ALD process. We use Erbium in our method because it gives off light at very important telecom wavelengths. When making the light device, the erbium pieces are added directly into aluminium oxide, a kind of glass. All of this happens during the ALD process. Thanks to this unique ALD process, we can manage the distribution of erbium pieces at a very small scale to get the maximum gain performance.

Our project aims to fix a big social challenge: increasing internet traffic is using up too much energy. The more people use data-heavy services like streaming or new tech like AI, the more energy data centres consume. Silicon photonics could be a solution. It uses light sources to manage data, which is much faster, cheaper and uses less power. However, the light sources we have now are too expensive and complicated to make. So, we need new, cost-effective methods to make these light sources to meet the internet's increasing data needs and save energy.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We have embarked on a careful assignment centered on optimizing several techniques for ion deposition through Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). This task is aimed at refining these methods for implementation in light source applications, a crucial element detailed in our initial proposal.
Our commitment to ALD is due to its precision and scalability, which allows us to create highly controlled and consistent light emission layers. The optimizing process involved examining and refining multiple "recipes," which resulted in more effective ALD procedures.
The next essential step was to thoroughly test these updated methods. A robust testing framework was put in place to confirm the workability of these techniques in various scenarios, particularly in their applications for light sources.
By refining and enhancing these procedures, our ultimate goal is to improve the efficiency and performance of light source applications, exercising a profound influence on technological advancement in this sphere.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

We're working on energy-efficient light solutions for data centers, aiming to contribute to climate neutrality by reducing energy use. Our scientific progress is reflected in achieving most of our objectives and several publications. Economically, we’ve explored pathways for commercialization in industrial production. We've also examined our light sources' potential societal benefits, like environmental impact mitigation through gas sensing. To achieve bigger scientific, economic, and societal impacts, we're considering additional funding sources, such as an EIC project or Business Finland project. Future support can also include commercialization efforts, access to markets, and a regulatory framework. Overall, our project shows promise towards sustainable energy-efficient solutions for data centers.