The University of Michigan professor of electronics and computer and biomedical engineering and his team built the device using off-the-shelf fiber and telecommunications components, eliminating the need for custom fiber. This solution can ensure that this green laser pointer has reasonable manufacturing cost, and has both practicality and reliability. We have proven that this $ 10,000 laser is functionally comparable to a $ 60,000 laser.
Broadband infrared lasers usually consist of a laser capable of emitting very short laser pulses, which is then increased in power by a series of amplifiers, but this method is limited to laboratory applications. In addition to being too costly, these components cannot be reduced enough to fit in a handheld device. In addition, the use of lenses and mirrors makes the device extremely sensitive to collisions and temperature changes.
New infrared lasers “sniff” trace chemicals. To make this new laser, the research team started with a standard green laser pointer diode, similar to the laser diode used in laser pointers and barcode scanners. This pulse signal is then amplified by a telecommunication communication signal amplifier, similar to the signal amplifier in communication applications. When these signals weaken through long-distance transmission through fiber optic lines, it can periodically enhance the backup of the voice signal. The research team then transmitted this powerful broadband signal through a 2-meter-long fiber-optic coil.