Sound waves steer light: breakthrough in integrated photonics
Twente researchers achieved a breakthrough that pave the way for further advancements in aerospace technology.
Published on May 2, 2025
© University of Twente
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University of Twente researchers have crafted an innovative method for controlling light using sound, marking a significant milestone in the field of integrated photonics. This not only provides a novel tool for engineers to develop advanced light-based chips but also opens the door for miniaturizing atomic clocks, making them compact enough for integration into satellites and drones.
This breakthrough leverages the phenomenon of Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS). It is a nonlinear optical process that occurs when intense light travels through a medium, such as an optical fiber or gas. Researchers utilized thin-film lithium niobate, a synthetic salt, to steer acoustic waves. This way they could overcome previous challenges linked to scalability and practical application of SBS in photonic technologies. The team, led by David Marpaung, published their paper in Science Advances.
“There have been many proof-of-concept demonstrations, but, for a variety of reasons, these face critical challenges in terms of practical deployment and scalability,” says Kaixuan Ye, a PhD student in Marpaung’s group and first author of the Science Advances paper.
Potential technology applications
Such advancements promise GPS-independent navigation, which is crucial for future aerospace technologies. By translating this promising research into practical manufacturing processes, the team, led by David Marpaung, aims to move these solutions from the lab to commercial production. Their work is a step forward in integrating high-performance components like ultra-selective filters into photonic circuits, enhancing technologies like 6G radios by reducing signal interference efficiently.
“SBS can drastically reduce the dimensions of atomic clocks, since SBS allows for miniaturisation of the ultra-precise and stable lasers required by these devices. Chip-scale lasers will enable cost-effective integration of atomic clocks in satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Thanks to precise on-board timekeeping, these devices wouldn’t have to rely on GPS for navigation,” explains Marpaung.
