Physicists from Delft University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microchip that combines optical trapping and frequency combs—two Nobel Prize-winning techniques. This innovative microchip measures distances with high precision using sound vibrations, making it particularly effective for opaque materials. Potential applications include underwater exploration, medical imaging, and climate monitoring. The microchip features a thin, trampoline-shaped ceramic sheet embedded with holes to enhance laser interaction, which vibrates when a laser beam is directed at it. These vibrations create a unique comb-like pattern that enables precise distance measurements.
This technology stands out because it requires minimal hardware and is easy to produce: it operates solely with a laser, avoiding complex tuning or feedback loops. As a result, it is a simple, low-power technology that can be easily miniaturized, allowing widespread deployment of microchip sensors. The research illustrates a novel approach to leveraging sound waves, bridging two significant scientific fields—sound and light. It also introduces an acoustic version of frequency combs, potentially revolutionizing measurement techniques, particularly in challenging environments where traditional light-based methods are ineffective. These advancements were detailed in the journal Nature Communications.
