Researchers develop printable lasers

 

Scientist from the Centre of Molecular Materials for Photonics and Electronics and the Inkjet Research Centre of the University of Cambridge have found a way of producing a high resolution multi-colour laser arrays by printing.

Using a custom inkjet printing system, the researchers printed hundreds of small dots of LC materials on to a substrate covered with a wet polymer solution layer. As the polymer solution dries, the chemical interaction and mechanical stress cause the LC molecules to align and turn the printed dots into individual lasers.

The researchers believe that this simple process can form lasers on virtually any surface, rigid or flexible, and can potentially be applied using existing printing and publishing equipment (similar to the ones used to print papers or magazines).

The process has been developed initially to produce compact, tuneable laser sources and high-resolution laser displays. However, it can also be used to print fluorescence tag-based “lab-on-a-chip” arrays used extensively in biology and medicine.

For more information on the matter visit University of Cambridge’s website.