The LuminaCell v2 Architecture - A High-Power Coherent Light Source Based on a Contactless Quantum Interference Core
At a Glance
Section titled “At a Glance”| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2025-08-26 |
| Journal | Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) |
| Authors | Leckey, gary |
Abstract
Section titled “Abstract”Abstract: This white paper introduces the LuminaCell v2, a novel solid-state coherent light source architecture that replaces conventional physical mirror-based resonators with a “Contactless Core” utilizing Quantum Interference Mirrors (QIMs). The system is founded upon a high-density ensemble of Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers within a synthetic diamond core, serving as a robust, room-temperature gain medium. The central innovation eliminates conventional physical mirrors entirely, instead establishing optical feedback and output coupling through precisely controlled coherent feedback loops that create quantum interference effects. System dynamics are governed by the Resonant Orthogonality Law (ϕ = 1 - |cos θ|), which dictates that maximal coherence and operational stability are achieved at a quadrature phase relationship (θ = π/2) between interacting fields. Gain Medium - NV-Diamond Physics: The LuminaCell v2 employs synthetically grown diamond with high-density negatively charged Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV⁻) centers as the gain medium. NV centers possess spin-triplet ground (³A₂) and excited (³E) states. Optical pumping with 532 nm green laser promotes electrons to excited state, with spin-selective intersystem crossing (ISC) to intermediate singlet states preferentially de-exciting ms = ±1 sublevels and populating ms = 0 ground state. Continuous pumping creates strong spin polarization and population inversion necessary for stimulated emission on ms = 0 ↔ ms = ±1 microwave transitions. NV centers exhibit exceptional photostability, high quantum efficiency, and millisecond-scale ground-state spin coherence times at room temperature, enabling continuous-wave operation without cryogenic cooling or high-vacuum systems. Theoretical Foundation: NV-diamond as maser/laser gain medium validated by Jin et al. (2015) proposal for room-temperature diamond maser, highlighting 5 ms spin lifetime and exceptional stability. Experimentally confirmed by Breeze et al. (2018) landmark demonstration of continuous-wave, room-temperature diamond maser, validating sustained population inversion for continuous operation. LuminaCell v2 scales these principles to novel architectural implementation designed for high-power optical output. Contactless Core Architecture: System operates as closed-loop regenerative architecture without traditional optical cavity. Primary Excitation Pump (electrically powered laser or solar-pumped Luminescent Solar Concentrator) energizes LEV-1 Diamond Core containing NV centers. Emitted photons circulate within Feedback Cavity, becoming entangled through stimulated emission to form macroscopic coherent state. Cavity defined not by physical mirrors but by functional action of Quantum Interference Mirrors (QIMs). Coherent Field Stabilizers (phase shifters, delay lines) maintain quadrature phase relationship required by Resonant Orthogonality Law. Specialized optical interface material (“supprosite”) efficiently couples light between high-refractive-index diamond core and feedback loop components. Quantum Interference Mirror (QIM) Mechanism: QIMs represent conceptual leap beyond Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers, replacing integrated physical Bragg gratings with purely dynamic quantum effects. Based on coherent feedback principles where quantum output directly forms feedback loop without intermediate measurement, preserving quantum coherence through unitary evolution. Physical realization arises from engineered interference between emission pathways: NV centers can radiate into free-space continuum or guided feedback loop mode. Returning photon field interferes with actively emitted field, controlled to be constructive or destructive, producing characteristic Fano resonance lineshapes. QIM-Reflector Function: Coherent Field Stabilizers adjust feedback loop phase and delay such that returning photon field interferes constructively with field emitted into loop mode. Constructive interference enhances emission probability into loop mode while suppressing emission into all other modes, effectively trapping photons and establishing high-Q resonance with standing wave of entangled photons. Corresponds to Fano resonance regime where transmission into free-space continuum is minimized. QIM-Coupler Function: Local tuning of feedback parameters creates partially destructive interference for internal loop mode, simultaneously producing constructive interference for external free-space output mode. Allows precise, stable extraction of controlled fraction of coherent power as output beam. Corresponds to tuning Fano resonance to operating point where controlled energy couples from discrete state into continuum. Resonant Orthogonality Law: Fundamental control principle defining coherence parameter ϕ as function of phase difference θ between interacting resonant fields: ϕ(θ) = 1 - |cos θ|. Derived from vector inner product concept where |cos θ| represents projection magnitude between normalized state vectors. ϕ serves as normalized orthogonality index: maximum ϕ = 1 at quadrature (θ = π/2, 90°) signifying complete orthogonality; minimum ϕ = 0 when in-phase (θ = 0) or out-of-phase (θ = π) signifying maximum correlation. System actively tuned to maintain θ = 90° between emitted field and returning feedback field. Physical Significance of Quadrature Operation: Analogous to AC circuits where 90° phase shift between voltage and current results in zero net real power transfer (all power reactive, stored and oscillating). Similar to digital communications where orthogonal I/Q carriers prevent mutual interference. In LuminaCell v2, quadrature phase decouples forward- and backward-propagating waves, preventing simple standing wave formation that could cause spatial hole burning or modal competition. Operating at ϕ = 1 maximizes reactive coherent energy circulating within contactless core, storing energy in coherent oscillation without immediate dissipation. Decoupling ensures pure, single resonant mode dominance through orthogonality to parasitic modes. Empirical Performance Validation - Coherence Engine (Track Q): Demonstrates characteristic coherent amplifier behavior with distinct power threshold Pth ≈ 2000 W (critical point where gain overcomes system losses, analogous to laser/maser turn-on). Above threshold, exhibits high slope efficiency η ≈ 25% (differential efficiency converting electrical pump power to coherent optical output), representing state-of-the-art wall-plug efficiency. Projected optical output approaching 12 kW from 50 kW input. Threshold behavior provides unambiguous validation of coherent amplification process, directly analogous to experimentally demonstrated NV-diamond masers. Engineering Trade-offs - Threshold vs. Robustness: Track Q threshold (2000 W) considerably higher than state-of-the-art NV-masers using physical high-Q sapphire microwave cavity (138 mW). Difference is deliberate design choice: conventional masers achieve extremely low thresholds via Purcell effect in very high-Q physical resonator, maximizing sensitivity but resulting in delicate, difficult-to-scale systems. LuminaCell v2 QIM-based loop has effective Q-factor determined by system gain and feedback efficiency rather than static physical structure, not optimized for lowest threshold. Design prioritizes practical benefits of contactless system: extreme robustness against mechanical vibration and thermal shock, elimination of mirror alignment and damage concerns, clear pathway to higher power scaling. Higher threshold is deliberate trade for system designed for high-power, real-world applications rather than laboratory-grade sensitivity, enabling resilience required for tactical and industrial deployment where size, weight, power (SWaP), and durability are paramount. Pumping Modularity - Dual-Track Architecture: System features modular pumping strategy for mission-adaptable energy sourcing. Track Q (Coherence Engine) uses conventional high-power electrical laser pump for prototype testing and validation. Track H (Luminescent Solar Concentrator subsystem) validates parallel solar-pumping module development. LSCs absorb broad-spectrum sunlight and re-emit in narrow band suitable for pumping specific optical transitions. Patent literature describes using LSC to provide requisite optical power for NV maser, establishing direct synergistic link between development tracks. Dual-track approach is core design feature: Coherence Engine requires multi-kilowatt pump source, presenting major logistical challenge for tactical/remote deployment. Validated LSC subsystem de-risks ambitious Coherence Engine by providing proven pathway toward self-powered, field-deployable system using solar energy as primary input, enabling off-grid applications. LSC Performance Validation (Track H): Power vs. Optical Density follows saturating exponential PLSC(OD) ≈ Pmax(1 - e^(-k·OD)) with Pmax = 1.1-1.2 W, k ≈ 3.5. Behavior characteristic of LSCs: low dye concentration (low OD) shows near-linear power increase; higher concentration increases reabsorption probability (primary loss mechanism) leading to diminishing returns and saturation. Empirical data shows optimal OD range 0.3-0.4, confirming well-behaved subsystem conforming to established LSC physics. LSC Refractive Index Dependence: Output power demonstrates near-linear increase with refractive index n of waveguide material: PLSC(n) ≈ 0.20n + 0.46 W. Direct consequence of total internal reflection (TIR) principle: higher refractive index contrast reduces critical angle θc = arcsin(nair/nwaveguide), shrinking escape cone for photon loss from top/bottom surfaces. Traps larger luminescence fraction within waveguide, guiding efficiently to edge-mounted solar cells. Validated data consistent with theory and state-of-the-art results (Liu et al. 2020 demonstrated 92% efficiency improvements via laminated high-index layers minimizing escape cone losses). Applications - High-Power Industrial/Scientific: Demonstrated