A new paper by researchers at UF Electrical & Computer Engineering has recently been published in ACS Photonics, outlining recent work in the area of tunable lasers. “Tunable Laser Using Transverse Cavity Surface Emitting Laser Working Near Exceptional Point,” was authored by Elham Heidari, Ph.D., and her research group and was subsequently selected for the Rising Stars in Photonics Virtual Special Issue, recognizing emerging leaders driving innovation in the photonics field. Heidari’s selection underscores the innovative and influential contributions of her research team.
In simple terms, the novel laser design described in the paper offers a reliable and cost-effective way to fine-tune laser colors (wavelengths) directly on a chip—without the bulky parts or moving components of traditional tunable lasers. This makes it especially useful for real-world applications like wearable health monitors, environmental sensors, or optical chips that power the next generation of smart devices and AI systems, where size, stability, and energy use are critical.
The work is a collaboration with the CHiP Lab, led by Hamed Dalir, Ph.D., also an ECE Florida faculty member.
Beyond optical communications and sensing, this technology also shows strong potential for AI accelerators and neuromorphic computing, where compact, tunable, and energy-efficient photonic components are essential. With precise wavelength control, the device could help enable future optical hardware that mimics how the brain processes information—supporting functions like spiking, memory, and learning directly on-chip.
Read the paper here.