CUTTING EDGE LASERS FOR CUTTING EDGE SCIENCE
Given the unique properties of laser light, and the broad
performance envelope that can be achieved by laser sources, it's no
surprise that laser light is playing a key role in many fields of
frontier science today.
Examples of lasers featuring strongly in scientific advances
include:
- Nobel-prizing winning research that uses CW narrow
linewidth Ti:S lasers like M Squared's 'SolsTiS' to cool atoms to near absolute zero.
This work lead to the observation of Bose-Einstein Condensation, a
new matter state
- Using femtosecond laser pulses like those
generated by M Squared's 'Sprite' to produce a highly localized chemical
reaction in polymers. This has allowed engineering of atom scale
structures with resolution down to 100nm
- Science at terahertz time scales: THz-frequency
electromagnetic radiation, like that generated by M Squared's 'Firefly-THz', has
a fundamental period of around 1ps. This makes THz laser light
uniquely suited to study and control systems of central importance:
small molecules rotate at THz frequencies. Collisions between gas
phase molecules at room temperature last about 1ps. Biologically
important collective modes of proteins vibrate at THz frequencies.
Electrons in semiconductors and their nanostructures resonate at
THz frequencies. Superconducting energy gaps are found at THz
frequencies. Gaseous and solid-state plasmas oscillate at THz
frequencies.
Cutting edge science has often stimulated the development of new
laser systems that provide the cutting edge performance needed to
make breakthroughs. Historically, however, innovation in commercial
laser systems has all too often come at the expense of ease of use
and reliability, with open-lid product designs that require
frequent operator adjustments and maintenance.
With a 20-year design and applications perspective, M Squared's
goal is Dependable Innovation, which describes our commitment to
sealed, maintenance-free, automated laser systems that provide
next-generation, breakthrough performance. As the smallest, and
only alignment-free laser of its type, M Squared's SolsTiS CW Ti:S laser
is a prime example of our commitment to providing cutting edge
laser systems that can help, not hinder, cutting edge science.