South Africa developed the world's first digitized laser

Researchers at the South African Research Council for Science and Industry (CSIR) have developed the world's first digital laser , which they claim is a "breakthrough technology" that paves the way for applications. New in a range of fields such as medicine and telecommunications.

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In traditional laser technology, a laser beam formed inside a box is fitted with two mirrors in which the curvature of the mirrors determines the size and shape of the beam.

Photo: techtransfer.csir.co.za

If a researcher or manufacturer needs a different beam, they either have to replace one of these mirrors or have to control the beam when it is out of the box using a space light modulator. This operation is a complicated and costly task.

Researchers at CSIR have found a way to transform the beam in the box by replacing one of the mirrors with the help of computer technology.

Speaking at a news conference in Pretoria on September 17, Professor Andrew Forbes, who led the study, said that this was a significant improvement over traditional laser control methods, which required immediate Rearrange expensive laser equipment.

Sandim Ngocobo, a PhD student at CSIR, says that CSIR's inventive digital laser is a breakthrough that can change traditional production methods in many areas, promising to be open. Launch new markets in the next few years.