We are proud to share an extraordinary achievement from our co-founder, Jerome Lapointe, whose groundbreaking research has been featured in Nature Photonics!
This publication marks a significant milestone in the field of photonics and showcases how innovation, collaboration, and advanced tools like the Jay Photonics Si-Through-HR Infrared Transmission Microscope can transform the industry.
Miniaturizing Optical Isolators for the Future
The research highlights the creation of the first miniature optical isolator capable of integration into photonic and quantum microchips while maintaining top-tier performance. This innovation addresses a decades-long challenge: shrinking optical isolators, which are typically 100 times larger than photonic chips, rely on a bulky magnet to operate, and are connected externally by optical fibers and lenses.
Optical isolators are critical to technologies like quantum-secured internet, LIDAR in autonomous vehicles, and data centers, which rely on hundreds of thousands of these components to ensure uninterrupted operations. By utilizing a patented femtosecond laser inscription technique, the team developed a miniature optical isolator smaller than a pencil tip, paving the way for widespread integration and scalability.
How Jay Photonics’ Microscope Made the Breakthrough Possible
One of the key challenges in this research was analyzing the material used to fabricate the isolator. Its opacity made it impossible for conventional microscopes to accurately observe internal structures. This is where the Jay Photonics Si-Through-HR Infrared Transmission Microscope proved indispensable:
- High Resolution and Contrast: Enabled precise imaging of internal structures, critical for optimizing fabrication.
- Advanced Integration: Combined with a quantitative phase imaging (QPI) camera from Phasics, the microscope allowed the team to measure refractive index changes induced by laser processing, a crucial step in optimizing the isolator’s waveguide.
A Collaborative Effort
This achievement was made possible by a remarkable collaboration between Jay Photonics, the research team led by Professor Réal Vallée at the COPL - Centre d'optique, photonique et lasers at Université Laval, and Aeponyx, a Montreal-based company spearheading innovation in photonic integration.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jérôme and all the contributors, including Albert Dupont, Stephan Gagnon, David Hélie, Martin Blouin, Steeve Morency, Martin Bernier, Patrick Larochelle, Francois Menard, Cédrik Coia, Mathieu Lebeuf, Francis Duhamel, Julien Beaudoin-Bertrand, and B. Alexander Janta-Polczynski. This achievement is also a testament to the support from CRSNG, PRIMA Québec, and the Fonds de recherche du Québec.
Celebrating Quebec’s Photonics Leadership
This publication not only highlights the innovative power of Quebec’s photonics industry but also underscores the critical role that advanced tools like the Jay Photonics microscope play in driving cutting-edge discoveries.
We invite you to read the full article here: Nature Photonics Publication.
Let’s continue to shine a light on the future of photonics innovation!