The object
The quantum-well laser made compact mid-infrared sources practical for gas sensing and spectroscopy, translating engineered semiconductor layers into a consequential physical instrument platform. The demonstration established a semiconductor-light source platform for instruments used beyond research labs.
01
What Jérôme did
Co-invented and first demonstrated the quantum-cascade laser with Federico Capasso and colleagues.
02
Why it matters
Quantum-cascade lasers became a widely used semiconductor source for infrared measurement.
03
Living-status check
ETH Zurich's May 2026 notice identifies Faist as its current full professor.