Graphene Energy is implementing a project financed by European
Funds, entitled:
„CR4+:YAG/POLYMER
NANOCOMPOSITE AS ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS FOR Q-SWITCHED LASERS: PROPERTIES,
MODELING, AND APPLICATIONS – ALTER-Q”
Project
number 101182995
Project
co-financed by the European Union under the HORIZON.1.2 – Marie
Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), topic HORIZON-MSCA-2023-SE-01 – MSCA Staff
Exchanges 2023
Project
value:
EUR
584 200,00
Net
EU contribution for the Graphene Energy LTD Company
EUR
92 000,00
The development and application
of solid-state lasers (SSRs) over the last decade, emphasizing their
wide-ranging uses in fields such as metal processing, medical applications, and
optical transmission systems. It outlines the fundamental components of SSRs
and the importance of achieving a balance between gains and losses in the laser
resonator for effective generation. The concept of Q-switching is introduced,
highlighting its role in enhancing laser performance by modulating the Q-factor
of the resonator. Active and passive Q-switching methods are compared, with a
focus on the advantages of passive Q-switches for generating powerful
sub-nanosecond pulses in compact laser systems. The challenges associated with
finding suitable passive Q-switching materials, particularly for long-term use,
are discussed, leading to the proposal of a novel approach using a composite
structure of polymer matrix with Cr4+:YAG nanopowders. This initiative,
undertaken by the ALTER-Q consortium comprising European academic institutions,
research organizations, and SMEs, aims to address the current limitations and
pave the way for cost-effective alternatives in Q-switched laser technology.
Graphene Energy is responsible
for the synthesis and characterization of nanopowders, as well as the
substantive supervision of the project.
