Scientists create ultra-low loss optical device that traps light on a chip
Science Daily
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Scientists at CU Boulder have developed groundbreaking optical microresonators that efficiently trap and amplify light with minimal energy loss. These microscopic devices, shaped like racetracks and designed with smooth curves inspired by highway engineering, allow light to circulate longer inside the resonator, enhancing intensity for advanced optical processes. This innovation could revolutionize fields such as sensing, microlaser technology, and quantum systems.
The researchers focused on reducing light loss by optimizing the racetrack design using "Euler curves," which minimize bending loss—a common issue in sharp bends. These gradual curves enable efficient light circulation, ensuring higher intensities within the resonator. The microresonators were fabricated with sub-nanometer precision at the Colorado Shared Instrumentation in Nanofabrication and Characterization (COSINC) clean room using electron beam lithography, a technique capable of producing structures far smaller than traditional methods.
Chalcogenide glass played a pivotal role in achieving ultra-low loss performance. These specialized glasses offer high transparency and nonlinearity, making them ideal for photonics applications. The researchers’ success in fabricating devices with chalcogenides marks a significant milestone, as these materials are challenging to process but highly rewarding for advanced photonic systems.
The implications of this research extend across multiple fields. Potential applications include compact sensors for navigation, chemical detection, and environmental monitoring, as well as microlasers and quantum technologies. The ability to use less optical power while achieving high intensities opens new possibilities for scientific and engineering advancements. This breakthrough not
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/24/2026