Project description
Let there be light with next to no optical noise
Manipulating and measuring fluctuations in light are at the heart of microscopy and spectroscopy and critically important to quantum optical devices and single-photon events. Measuring a signal in noise and minimising the noise to better detect the signal are central to optoelectronics. Optical lasers are now ubiquitous, yet they are still plagued by challenges related to optical noise. The EU-funded SLOW MO project is developing a 'plug-and-play' noise reducing module that can be fitted to fibre lasers already in use in a wealth of applications. The filter will reduce optical noise to the lowest limits possible according to classical physics principles.
Objective
Fibre lasers have become highly prevalent due to their cost, stability and practicality. However, they are inherently noisy and this is a severe limitation when using them for microscopy, spectroscopy or generate quantum states of light. We propose to develop a “plug-and-play” module that can be retrofitted to fibre lasers that are already deployed in the field, which reduces the optical noise at the laser output down to a fundamental limit of classical physics. This proof of concept grant will enable us to advance the commercial readiness of this noise suppression module, commission market research to identify potential customers, engineer a robust demonstrator for deployment outside the optics laboratory and foster relationships with end users willing to take part in trials. This project will bridge the gap between academic research and commercial exploitation of filter modules that allow lasers to operate at the fundamental shot noise limit.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC-LS - ERC Proof of Concept Lump Sum PilotHost institution
BS8 1QU Bristol
United Kingdom