#USA #Raleigh, NC #Photonic Integrated Circuit #Uviquity #Deep-UV Laser

Uviquity Introduces the First Chip-Scale Deep-UV Laser

Uviquity, a pioneering deep-tech firm specializing in integrated photonics for ultraviolet wavelengths, recently unveiled its groundbreaking product: a chip-scale laser operating at 229 nm. This innovative laser marks a significant milestone as it is the first of its kind produced from a single semiconductor chip, providing narrow-linewidth, collimated, and spectrally pure output tailored for demanding analytical and inspection tasks.

Revolutionary Technology

The 229 nm deep-UV laser, built on Uviquity's proprietary aluminum nitride (AlN) photonic integrated circuit platform, employs second harmonic generation (SHG) through specially designed AlN waveguides. This cutting-edge technology is protected by over 20 pending patents, showcasing Uviquity's commitment to advancing deep-UV technology. The application of this laser spans across various industries, including semiconductor production, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and defense, promising to enhance analytical capabilities significantly.

Key Advantages of the 229 nm Laser

The introduction of deep-UV light at 229 nm unlocks analytical potential not achievable with longer wavelengths. This includes resonance-enhanced detection of biological and chemical signatures and a measurement window largely free from background fluorescence typically found in organic samples. The laser accommodates multiple spectroscopic techniques such as Raman, fluorescence, photoluminescence, and absorption, thereby broadening the spectrum of applications.

Currently, developers in need of deep-UV light often resort to a mix of laser, lamp, and LED-based UV sources, each type presenting substantial trade-offs regarding spectral purity, brightness, lifetime, and cost. Many applications necessitate large, expensive benchtop systems to deliver requisite performance, which can constrain instrument design and functionality. Uviquity's compact, optoelectronic package, operating on low-voltage input, now offers a portable and rugged solution that can easily integrate into handheld, embedded, or in-line instruments.

Versatile Application Areas

The versatile applications for Uviquity's chip-scale laser extend to semiconductor inspection and metrology, real-time industrial process analytics, continuous gas analysis, reagent-free water quality monitoring, and trace-level defense sensing. As emphasized by Scott Burroughs, Uviquity's CEO and co-founder, the company has engaged closely with scientists and engineers in relevant industries to create a compact and reliable source of deep-UV light that meets their needs.

"We know what deep-UV at these wavelengths can do. The challenge has been to provide a compact, dependable source around which professionals can build their products. We are changing that with our new laser," he stated.

Future Prospects

Sampling of the 229 nm deep-UV laser will commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with early access offerings available to selected Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partners. Those interested in exploring how this laser can fit specific instrument architectures are encouraged to reach out for product briefs and discussions.

About Uviquity

Founded in 2022, Uviquity is dedicated to developing innovative chip-based ultraviolet light sources for solid-state deep-UV sensing and analytical instrumentation, as well as for human-safe far-UVC disinfection solutions. The company boasts a skilled team of scientists and engineers, with support from investors including Emerald Development Managers and AgFunder.

For more information on Uviquity and its groundbreaking technologies, please visit www.uviquity.com.