An Optical Microresonator



Here is a new and more sensitive method to detect heavy water. Compared to any other existing method, this method is 30 times more sensitive. This innovative method is created the California Institute of Technology scientists. The detection method can help fight against international nuclear proliferation.



To detect heavy water, a special type of tiny optical device, called an optical micro-resonator can be configured. The micro-resonator, shaped like a mushroom, was originally designed three years back for storing light for future opto-electronic applications.



In contrast to the gargantuan task it can do, the micro-resonator has a diameter smaller than that of a human hair. Coupled with a tunable laser, it is made of silica. The sensitivity of the technique helps it to detect one heavy-water molecule in 10,000, Caltech doctoral student Andrea Armani reported this in the June 15 issue of the journal Optics Letters.



Via: Physorg