Physicists at the University of St Andrews, England have developed a new kind of laser that can be put to use in diverse application like medical treatments, light-emitting clothes and even a low cost light that can radiate rainbow colors. The breakthrough technology, developed by physicists Professor Ifor Samuel and Dr Graham Turnbull uses a new flexible, plastic-like semiconductor material that is powered by a simple LED in place of another laser that reduces its manufacturing cost drastically which, in turn, allows the technology to be put into more commercial use. The hybrid LED-lasers can give off a variety of colors and are applicable to a number of uses including treatment of skin cancer, spectroscopy and chemical sensing. The new lights, which can be widely manufactured for less than five pounds, are tipped to revolutionize point of diagnoses care in the medical field, though given its colorful nature, we won’t be entirely surprised if they are also used to light up Christmas trees, displays, sneakers and even kids’ toys and lamps!
Source: St. Andrews