Researchers develop technology to mass-produce quantum dot lasers for optical communications

South Korean researchers have successfully developed the technology to mass-produce quantum dot lasers, widely used in data centers and quantum communications. This discovery paves the way for reducing the manufacturing cost of semiconductor lasers to one-sixth of the current cost.

The research was published in Journal of Bonds and Compounds.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced that they have developed, for the first time in Korea, technology to mass produce quantum dot lasers, previously only used for research, using chemical vapor deposition systems metal-organic (MOCVD).

ETRI’s Optical Communication Components Research Section has successfully developed indium arsenide/gallium arsenide (InAs/GaAs) quantum dot laser diodes on gallium-arsenic (GaAs) substrates, which are suitable for the wavelength band 1.3 μm wavelength used in optical communications.

Traditionally, quantum dot laser diodes were produced using Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), but this method was inefficient due to its slow growth rate, making mass production challenging. By using MOCVD, which has higher production efficiency, the research team has significantly increased the productivity of quantum dot laser production. Quantum dot lasers are known for their excellent temperature characteristics and strong tolerance to substrate defects, allowing for larger substrate areas and thus lower power consumption and manufacturing costs.

The new quantum dot manufacturing technology boasts high density and good uniformity. The fabricated quantum dot semiconductor lasers demonstrated continuous operation at temperatures up to 75 degrees Celsius, indicating a world-leading achievement in results obtained via MOCVD.

Previously, optical telecommunications equipment used expensive 2-inch indium phosphide (InP) substrates, resulting in high manufacturing costs. The new technology, using GaAs substrates, which are less than one-third the cost of InP substrates, is expected to reduce the cost of manufacturing semiconductor communications lasers to less than one-sixth.

The ability of this technology to use large surface area substrates enables significant reductions in process time and material costs.

The research team plans to further optimize and verify this technology to increase its reliability and transfer it to domestic optical communication companies. These companies will receive key technology and infrastructure support through ETRI’s semiconductor foundry, accelerating the commercialization timeline.

The anticipated reduction in development time and production costs will increase product price competitiveness, potentially increasing market share internationally. This progress is expected to boost the domestic optical communication components industry.

In modern society, optical communication serves as the backbone of our industry. The research team’s achievement is set to revolutionize the development of optical resources, connecting apartment complexes to large cities and underwater optical cables.

Professor Dae Myung Geum from Chungbuk National University, a participant in this research, said: “Mass production technology for quantum dots can significantly reduce the production costs of high-priced optical communication equipment, increasing the competitiveness of the national component industry of optical communication and contributing substantially to basic scientific research.”

Dr. Ho Sung Kim of ETRI’s Optical Communication Components Research Section stated, “This research result is a prime example of securing commercial viability and fundamental innovation, potentially changing the paradigm of the semiconductor laser industry for optical communications.”