Latest news with #UIUC
Yahoo
18 minutes ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NANO Nuclear Advances KRONOS Microreactor and Reports Strong Cash Reserve
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) announced its third fiscal quarter results, revealing significant milestones in the development of its KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor (MMR). The company advanced U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing efforts, initiated preparatory work for deployment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), and resumed Canadian licensing activities, positioning KRONOS as a leading contender in the North American microreactor race. Financial Highlights Cash Position: $210.2 million as of June 30, 2025, up from $28.5 million on September 30, 2024, following a series of equity raises. Operating Cash Use: $14.7 million in the first nine months of FY2025, driven by KRONOS R&D and operations. Investing Activities: $12.9 million, including $9.1 million for KRONOS MMR acquisition and $3.8 million for a demonstration facility in New York. Financing Activities: $209.3 million net cash inflows. Filed first universal shelf registration statement to support long-term growth. Strategic and Technological Progress Licensing: Progressed NRC construction permit application preparations for UIUC site; resumed Canadian licensing, building on KRONOS' prior Phase 1 CNSC review. Partnerships: Signed collaboration agreements with UIUC and AECOM for engineering and environmental studies. Innovation: Advanced proprietary Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) technology under SBIR Phase III, targeting potential commercial sales in 2025–2026. Vertical Integration: Signed MOU with UrAmerica to secure nuclear fuel supply chain resilience. Operational Expansion and Leadership Strengthening Recruited over a dozen engineers in the Midwest to accelerate KRONOS development. Acquired a 2.75-acre engineering and manufacturing facility in Oak Brook, Illinois. High-profile appointments include former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Vice Admiral Charles J. Leidig Jr., and Intel's Seth Berl, bolstering technical and policy expertise. Market Recognition Added to the Solactive Global Uranium & Nuclear Components Total Return Index in August 2025, qualifying NNE for inclusion in the $4 billion Global X Uranium ETF (URA). This inclusion provides broader institutional investor exposure and market liquidity. Industry Context NANO Nuclear's progress comes amid a global nuclear resurgence driven by AI data center growth, industrial reshoring, electrification, and bipartisan policy support in the U.S. Nuclear microreactors are increasingly seen as vital for clean, reliable, zero-emission power in both centralized and remote settings. Outlook The company targets submitting a U.S. NRC construction permit application by late 2025 or early 2026 and aims to be the first to license a commercial microreactor in Canada. Management also plans to pursue commercial agreements with AI data center operators and remote communities, alongside potential vertical integration opportunities through M&A. CEO James Walker emphasized that KRONOS' proven reactor design, substantial prior R&D investment, and integrated supply chain strategy give NANO Nuclear a competitive edge in the rapidly growing advanced reactor market. Read this article on
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Marc Andreessen's education and career: How a Midwestern student built Mosaic, launched Netscape, and helped shape the Internet
Marc Andreessen's journey from UIUC to Netscape and the future of computing. (Getty Images) Marc Andreessen recently predicted that a revolutionary device will emerge to make smartphones feel "old and primitive," signalling the next transformation in consumer technology. Speaking on the TBNP podcast, the venture capitalist suggested that eye-based, voice-operated, or environmental computing interfaces may lead this shift. The company that successfully creates such a product, he said, could become "the next Apple." Andreessen's belief in computing evolution is grounded in his own legacy of innovation. From his early academic foundation in computer science to co-creating the web browser Mosaic and launching Netscape, Andreessen has played a pivotal role in shaping how billions interact with the Internet. Early work in software and the rise of Mosaic Born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and raised in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, Andreessen earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC). While at UIUC, he interned at IBM in Austin, Texas, contributing to AIX graphics development. He also worked at the university's National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), where he collaborated with Eric Bina. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The World's Least Stressful Cities – Where Balance is Everything Undo Influenced by Tim Berners-Lee's open web standards and inspired by the ViolaWWW browser, Andreessen and Bina created Mosaic in 1993. It became the first browser to integrate graphics directly into web pages and was designed to be cross-platform, bringing the Internet closer to general users. From Mosaic to Netscape After graduating, Andreessen moved to California and joined Enterprise Integration Technologies. There he met Jim Clark, founder of Silicon Graphics. They co-founded Mosaic Communications Corporation, which later became Netscape Communications. Andreessen served as vice president of technology. Netscape Navigator became the leading browser of its time. Following its 1995 IPO, Andreessen rose to public prominence. In 1999, AOL acquired Netscape for $4.3 billion, with Andreessen becoming AOL's chief technology officer. The creation and sale of Opsware Following the AOL acquisition, Andreessen co-founded Loudcloud with Ben Horowitz, Tim Howes, and In Sik Rhee. Initially offering hosting services, the company transitioned into enterprise software and rebranded as Opsware. Andreessen was chairman until Hewlett-Packard acquired Opsware for $1.6 billion in 2007. The founding of Andreessen Horowitz and investing success Between 2005 and 2009, Andreessen and Horowitz invested in 45 startups. They launched Andreessen Horowitz in 2009 with an initial fund of $300 million. The firm's portfolio included Facebook, Twitter, GitHub, Skype, and Pinterest. In 2009, they led the acquisition of Skype, which was sold to Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. Andreessen Horowitz also contributed to startup ecosystem infrastructure by supporting the Series Seed Documents initiative, simplifying early-stage financing. Boards, ventures, and influence in emerging tech Andreessen has served on the boards of eBay, Meta, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Oculus VR, and others. He invested in special economic zones such as California Forever and Próspera through Pronomos Capital. He supports cryptocurrency adoption and AI-native hardware innovation. His firm backs companies working on ambient computing, aligning with his forecast that future devices will move beyond today's screen-centric models. Recognition and personal background Andreessen was inducted into the World Wide Web Hall of Fame in 1994 and included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people in 2012. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering in 2013. He is married to Laura Arrillaga, founder of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund. They have one son. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NANO Nuclear Acquires 23,537-square-foot Demonstration and Office Facility on 2.75 Acres of Land in Oak Brook, Illinois to Support the Development of the KRONOS MMR Microreactor Energy System
The Oak Brook Facility will support up to the initial 60 nuclear engineers, researchers and support staff to work in collaboration with The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on NANO Nuclear's lead microreactor project New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 30, 2025) - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) ('NANO Nuclear' or 'the Company'), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it has acquired a 2.75-acre land and building package in Oak Brook, Illinois to serve as a regional demonstration and office facility to support the development of NANO Nuclear's lead development project — the KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System — in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) on its campus grounds. The $3.5 million purchase includes a 23,537-square-foot stand-alone building facility, including a 7,400-square-foot non-nuclear demonstration area. The facility will also initially house up to 60 nuclear engineers, researchers and support staff to engage in component construction and testing for the KRONOS MMR™, a high technology readiness level (TRL), cutting edge, stationary, advanced micro modular reactor. It will also serve as a base of operations to collaborate with UIUC on the construction and regulatory licensing of the KRONOS MMR™. This announcement comes on the heels of NANO Nuclear announcing the engagement of AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, under a master services agreement to support site-specific engineering, environmental analysis and regulatory planning at UIUC. The agreement lays the groundwork for site-specific engineering in preparation for deploying the first MMR™ at UIUC, a globally recognized hub for nuclear research and innovation. Planned activities include detailed environmental reviews, regulatory pathway planning, and site drilling to obtain the geological data required for submitting a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Figure 1 - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Acquires 23,537 sq. ft. Facility on 2.75 acres of land in Oak Brook, Illinois to support the buildout of the KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The Oak Brook Facility is NANO Nuclear's third U.S facility and second U.S. site dedicated to physical test work, joining the Company's facility in Westchester County, New York. 'This new facility will be the hub for NANO Nuclear's work on our lead microreactor project, the KRONOS MMR™ energy system. It will strengthen our collaboration with the University of Illinois and help us advance the KRONOS MMR towards construction, demonstration, regulatory licensing and ultimate deployment,' said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. 'Establishing a local facility was essential to supporting the KRONOS MMR™ program. This expansion, alongside our active recruitment drive for nuclear engineers and researchers to join our efforts at this facility, reflects our growing presence in the advanced nuclear energy sector and broadens our reach across the northern United States and into Canada.' In 2023, Illinois generated 54.89% of its electricity from nuclear power and accounted for 13% of the nation's total nuclear output, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The state's established infrastructure and supportive political and social environments make Illinois an ideal location for advancing next-generation reactor technologies like NANO Nuclear's KRONOS MMR™. [ This image cannot be displayed. Please visit the source: ] Figure 2 - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Newly Acquired 23,536 sq. ft. Demonstration and Office Facility in Oak Brook, Illinois. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: NANO Nuclear has already begun site-specific engineering work and contracting with key vendors to support the KRONOS MMR™ project. The new facility's location near the U.S.-Canada border also positions NANO Nuclear to advance its existing plans to bring the KRONOS MMR™ to Canada and prepare for construction, testing, regulatory licensing and ultimately commercialization efforts across North America. 'We are very pleased to finalize the acquisition of this property in Oak Brook,' said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. 'This facility will serve as our central hub for building the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System on the UIUC campus, an effort that would mark the first commercial microreactor developed at a U.S. university and position us as a leader in this sector. Illinois has a proud nuclear history, and UIUC is a major driver of innovation and testing in nuclear energy. We're excited to establish our presence in Illinois as we continue to advance our goals and drive value for our shareholders.' About NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S. Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear's reactor products in development include the patented KRONOS MMR ™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), 'ZEUS', a solid core battery reactor, and 'ODIN', a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR ™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America. HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear's own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear's developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR ™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS' initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface. For more corporate information, please visit: For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact: Email: [email protected] Business Tel: (212) 634-9206 PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE: NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear's management in connection with this news release contain or may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as 'expects', 'anticipates', 'intends', 'plans', 'believes', 'potential', 'will', 'seek,' 'should', 'could', 'would' or 'may' and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those related to the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of its new Oak Brook Facility, the Company's ability to recruit personnel for such facility, and the Company's plans and goals for the KRONOS MMR™ generally. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy ('DOE') or related state or non-U.S. nuclear licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at and at Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NANO Nuclear Advances KRONOS MMR Construction Program and Deployment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 14, 2025) - NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) ("NANO Nuclear" or "the Company"), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it will provide critical engineering and environmental services for NANO Nuclear's planned construction and deployment activities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) for its cutting edge KRONOS MMR™ Energy System micro nuclear reactor. As part of this initiative, NANO Nuclear has engaged AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, under a master services agreement to support site-specific engineering, environmental analysis and regulatory planning at UIUC. The agreement lays the groundwork for site-specific engineering in preparation for deploying the first KRONOS MMR at UIUC, a globally recognized hub for nuclear research and innovation. Planned activities include detailed environmental reviews, regulatory pathway planning, and site drilling to obtain the geological data required for submitting a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Figure 1 - NANO Nuclear Energy Engages AECOM, the global infrastructure leader, to support the planned activities of detailed environmental reviews, regulatory pathway planning, and site drilling to obtain the geological data required for submitting a construction permit application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "This milestone marks a pivotal step in NANO Nuclear's development roadmap for the KRONOS MMR, our most advanced microreactor design," said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. "Our work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign demonstrates our commitment to turning next-generation nuclear technology into real-world energy solutions. Building and operating one of the first licensed microreactors on a U.S. university campus places NANO Nuclear at the forefront of the microreactor industry." Initial work at the UIUC site includes: Technical feasibility studies Site assessment and environmental analysis Permitting and licensing support Regulatory interface coordination The project represents a critical step in NANO Nuclear's mission to deploy safe, fully modular, and zero-emission microreactor systems across remote, commercial, and defense sectors. A successful installation and operation at UIUC in the future would provide an unprecedented real-world demonstration of the KRONOS MMR™ microreactor platform and serve as a model for future university, government, and commercial deployments nationwide. UIUC is already a national leader in nuclear engineering and hosts one of the most advanced research programs in the country. Siting a licensed microreactor on campus would not only provide cutting-edge research and training opportunities but also position UIUC as a national demonstration site for clean, resilient energy. "We are proud to support this initiative with NANO Nuclear," said Barry Baker, Vice President and Regional Practice Lead for Environmental Planning and Permitting at AECOM. "This project represents a diversification of the energy portfolio, supporting a future of clean, distributed energy, and AECOM is ready to leverage its global engineering, environmental, and regulatory expertise to help realize the project's vision." "Our progress at UIUC is a critical signal to the market: we're not just designing next-gen reactors, we're moving forward efficiently with building them, testing them, and preparing for regulatory licensing and real-world deployment," said Jay Yu, Founder and Executive Chairman of NANO Nuclear. Once we receive the construction permit for the KRONOS MMR, we believe we will be firmly in the lead within the United States microreactor race, and we believe this agreement is a key inflection point in our journey." NANO Nuclear's work affirms its growing influence in the nuclear technology space and strengthens investor confidence in its ability to execute on its high-impact plans. As the global energy transition towards nuclear accelerates, NANO Nuclear is positioned to provide deployable, high-efficiency microreactor systems that serve both industrial demand and humanitarian needs. About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc. NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S. Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear's reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), "ZEUS", a solid core battery reactor, and "ODIN", a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America. HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear's own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear's developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS' initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface. For more corporate information please visit: For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact: Email: IR@ Tel: (212) 634-9206 PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE: NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDINNANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBENANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear's management in connection with this news release contain or may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "potential", "will", "should", "could", "would" or "may" and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those regarding the anticipated benefits of the Company's agreement with AECOM and also the Company's future plans generally. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at and at Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
A clever glass trick fixes the decade-old photonic crystal laser problem
Photonic-crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) is a promising technology that can completely revolutionize what lasers can achieve. Such a system can produce highly directional, bright beams with pinpoint precision, making it ideal for applications like LiDAR, optical communication, and sensing systems used in autonomous vehicles and defense gadgets. However, despite their potential, PCSELs have been notoriously difficult to develop. The problem lies in their core design, which relies on special air holes that disappear soon after they are formed. Now, engineers at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) have overcome this long-standing hurdle. Instead of air holes, they have proposed embedding silicon dioxide into the photonic crystal layer. According to the scientists, this change allowed them to successfully demonstrate the first room-temperature, eye-safe, photopumped PCSEL using buried dielectric features. Traditionally, PCSELs are built with air holes in their photonic crystal layer, which helps control how light moves inside the device. However, when scientists try to grow semiconductor material around those holes, which is a necessary step to complete the laser, the atoms shift and fill in the holes. This reshaping ruins the photonic crystal's structure, preventing the laser from working correctly. To resolve this issue, the study authors filled the photonic crystal layer with silicon dioxide, a solid and stable dielectric material. This change gave the structure strength and prevented it from collapsing during regrowth. However, the solution introduced a new problem. Silicon dioxide is amorphous, meaning it doesn't have a crystal structure, and growing semiconductors on top of such materials is usually extremely difficult. "The first time we tried to regrow the dielectric, we didn't know if it was even possible. Ideally, for semiconductor growth, you want to maintain that very pure crystal structure all the way up from the base layer, which is difficult to achieve with an amorphous material like silicon dioxide," said Erin Raftery, lead researcher and an engineering student at UIUC. For a laser to function, the semiconductor layers above need to maintain a smooth, continuous crystal structure. The team didn't know if it would be possible, but by carefully controlling the conditions, the engineers managed to grow the semiconductor laterally around the dielectric and then merge the material over the top, in a process known as coalescence. The result was a buried dielectric PCSEL that could emit a laser beam when excited by light, even at room temperature, and at a wavelength safe for the human eye, something no one had achieved before. This proof-of-concept lays the foundation for a new generation of surface-emitting lasers that are more precise, stable, and scalable than current technologies. PCSELs will produce high-brightness, narrow, circular beams, making them ideal for everything ranging from communication applications to high-tech weaponry. The use of solid dielectric material also simplifies the fabrication process and improves device durability. However, this first version still requires external light (photopumping) to power the laser, which limits its practicality in real-world applications. To make it truly usable, the team plans to design an electrically injected version by adding electrical contacts, allowing the laser to run on standard power sources. The study is published in the journal IEEE Photonics Journal.
