US Researchers Develop 'antilaser'

US researchers have developed an 'antilaser' device which is capable of trapping light waves and instead of flashing bright beams, extinguish specific wavelengths of light. The real world application of this device would probably be in the next-generation optical computers that will be powered by light in addition to electrons. This technology could also be used in radiology.

A laser emits light in a very narrow frequency range by taking in electrical energy. While the antilaser takes in laser light and transforms it into heat energy. This laser light could also be transformed into electrical energy.

The device uses silicon as an absorbent that traps light waves which bounce around till they are converted into heat. However the antilaser cannot be used as a laser shield. Researcher A. Douglas of the Yale University said, "It's a device which basically works like running a laser backwards."

Source: Medindia