The Raman Research Institute’s (RRI) spinoff company nexAtom Research and Instruments, is set to revolutionize quantum optics research in India by providing indigenous tunable laser system technology platforms. This advancement will lower the costs of quantum optics labs and research related to medicine, remote sensing, geo-mapping, and space. The high-precision laser system is at the heart of the quantum optics laboratory, however, its high cost has had detrimental impacts on cutting-edge research and quantum technology-based industrial applications.

The commercial production of the multi-channel, tunable laser system technology platforms will start soon and RRI has applied for a provisional Indian patent for ‘Standalone laser system with frequency tunability and precision control’. The tunable lasers are called the External Cavity Diode Lasers (ECDL), which is a precise spectroscopic tool meant to address quantum systems. This system is useful to develop solutions across quantum communication, quantum technology, quantum systems, and metrology – which are the core themes of the Department of Science and Technology-led National Quantum Mission (NQM) worth Rs. 6,000 crore.

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NexAtom started working on the system in 2017, while the control electronics technology for lasers was transitioned from analog to digital mode. The entire laser system is cost-effective and is available as an entire integrated package or a sub-system.

Subodh Vashist, Founder and the System Design Expert of the NexAtom said that this laser system can be customized for various end-user requirements by the mechanical assembly for diodes and basic re-programming to extend features. Additionally, the auxiliary systems and instruments will not be required with this laser system, he added.

Professor Sadiq Rangwala, professor at the Light and Matter group at RRI said that both RRI and nexAtom wish to create a template for others in academia who are working in the quantum domain towards entrepreneurship.

Prof. Rangwala, Principal Technical Advisor to the company said that the development of a future-compliant prototype laser system is supportive to the NQM. The multi-disciplinary approach of the lab to work on the interactions between quantum systems has resulted in the development of multiple products which enhanced research in quantum physics.

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Precision time taggers to count single-photon events, ultra-fast seed fiber lasers, Q-switched fiber, and diode lasers are some of the other products next.

As India progresses through a ‘quantum leap’ via NQM, there will be increased demand for customized lasers and associated instruments. This would create a high demand for skilled employees to work on indigenous quantum technology-based solutions, said Subodh.