On-chip spectrally broadband light sources have already advanced the fields of optics and photonics. Yet wider science and technology use calls for further innovation.
The creation of a photonic chip capable of mid-infrared (MIR) broadband light generation while being pumped by a small-sized portable MIR laser could be a boon for applications ranging from non-invasive medical diagnostics, to optical testing of water safety. However, today on-chip broadband light generation in the MIR typically requires the use of pump lasers which are bulky and so impractical for widespread adoption.
Further details: Graphene helps shift the paradigm for nonlinear photonic integrated circuits