As technology advances, photonic systems are gaining ground over traditional electronics, using light to transmit and process information more efficiently. One such optical system is laser beam scanning (LBS), where laser beams are rapidly steered to scan, sense, or display information. This technology is used in applications ranging from barcode scanners at grocery stores to laser projectors in light shows. To process a wider range of signals or enable full-color output, these systems utilize multiplexers that merge the red, green, and blue (RGB) laser beams into a single beam.

For decades, scientists have looked to light as a way to speed up computing. Photonic neural networks—systems that use light instead of electricity to process information—promise faster speeds and lower energy use than traditional electronics. But despite their potential, these systems have struggled to match the accuracy of digital neural networks. A key reason: most photonic systems still mimic the structure and training methods of digital models, introducing errors when translating from software to hardware.

For over a century, surgeons performing delicate procedures have relied on stereoscopic microscopes to gain a sense of depth. These tools mimic human vision by presenting slightly different images to each eye, allowing the brain to perceive three-dimensional structures—a crucial aid when working with fragile blood vessels or intricate brain tissue. Despite modern upgrades like digital displays and video capture, today’s operating microscopes still depend on the same core principle: two views, interpreted by the human brain.

Lasers have widespread applications as a light source in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, medicine, high-speed communications, electronics, and scientific research. In recent years, the demand for lasers with increased control over their output has grown significantly. In particular, ultranarrow bandwidth mode-locked lasers, which can produce extremely short laser pulses (short burst of light) ranging from picoseconds to nanoseconds, have received considerable attention. Such short laser pulses are extremely beneficial for many applications—from diamond cutting to semiconductor manufacture. However, these applications can be further improved with the incorporation of lasers with tunable pulse duration.