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www.photonics.
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Micro-LED Roadmap • Lasers in Additive Manufacturing • Specialty Fibers
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Inside
This Issue
May 2024 volume 58 issue 5
Features
34
Bottlenecks in Process and
Production Hinder Micro-LED Adoption
by James Schlett, Contributing Editor
Micro-LED displays offer performance
advantages over legacy technologies
for product innovations, such as
smartwatches and tracker bands.
Yet, mass production remains elusive.
34
40
Beam Deflection Units Increase
Efficiency of Laser Powder Bed Fusion
by Wolfgang Lehmann, Jan Bernd Habedank,
and Harnesh Singh, RAYLASE
Beam-shaping technologies offer a powerful
means to refine process parameters, boost
productivity, and improve part quality.
46
Rare-Earth Doped Fibers Deliver
Critical Elements to Dynamic Systems
by Rüdiger Paschotta, RP Photonics AG
Understanding the properties of
rare-earth doped fibers — core
components of amplifiers as well as many
laser types — is paramount to obtaining
optimal outcomes from engineered systems.
52
Fine and Fast Metal Printing Meets
Industrial Challenges in 3D
52
by Min-Uh Ko, Fraunhofer ILT, and
Andreas Thoss, Contributing Editor
In 3D printing, a new method offers an
Subscribe or Renew Today!
effective compromise for the unavoidable
trade-off between precision and buildup
time.
46
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www.photonics.com
Departments Columns
9 Webinars 61 Product News 7 Editor’s Note

A roadblock on the roadmap
10 Summit on Optical Design 66 Industry Events
11 Summit on Laser Test & 68 Photonics Showcase 57 Laser Safety

Measurement by Ken Barat, Laser Safety Solutions
73 Advertiser Index LED Applications Require Exposure Limits to Safeguard Consumers
12 Industry News
74 Lighter Side 59 LASER-TEC: College Profile
24 Technology News
Gallatin College, Montana State University
The Cover
Effectively gauging the parameters of the laser system
and related process steps, including in-process, are
PHOTONICS: The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms paramount to achieving optimal results from laser-based
of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The range of applications of additive manufacturing. Courtesy of RAYLASE via Getty
photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and Images.com/Marina Skoropadskaya. Cover design by
information processing. Senior Art Director Lisa N. Comstock.
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Photonics Spectra Editor Jake E. Saltzman Buyers’ Guide & Digital Media Staff
Editorial Staff Director of Publishing Operations Kathleen A. Alibozek
Editor-in-Chief Michael D. Wheeler Managing Editor Jeanne L. Kelly

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Editor’s
Note
A roadblock on the roadmap
P
hotonics Spectra’s seeming prescience is a fortunate as $50 million (pre-tax). This figure falls well short of what
by-product of our monthly publication schedule. the company anticipated that it would be bringing in from the
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences’ decision project.
to award Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Experts like Yole Group weighed in to provide clarity on
Anne L’Huillier last year’s Nobel Prize in Physics, the sudden shift to the micro-LED industry landscape. Via its
for example, greatly simplified the selection of our November report, “Did Apple just kill the microLED industry,” Yole
2023 cover story; contributing editor Marie Freebody, as if by addressed the likelihood of difficulties emerging for young and
fate, had polished off an article on attosecond sources days prior startup companies in advancing the immature technology in the
to the academy’s announcement. short term without a clear prospect for micro-LED technology.
Sometimes the stars align. This will be especially evident in a financial sense.
A similar scenario came into play this month as the ink dried But beyond financials, the ams OSRAM-Apple fallout inhibits
on contributing editor James Schlett’s article, “Bottlenecks in the micro-LED technology roadmap — specifically a variety
Process and Production Hinder Micro-LED Adoption,” on of measurables that span the quantifiable and the qualifiable.
page 34. Schlett dives into the micro-LED technology road- These range from upscaling manufacturing to inciting a
map and cites a recently published report from the MicroLED perception of bona fide technological legitimacy.
Industry Association (MIA). Among the insightful information At least for now.
provided by the MIA is its belief that its members will struggle For ams OSRAM, which is neither young nor a startup
to achieve mass production for almost all applications for two to company, the discontinuance occurs amid ongoing business
five years. adjustments and goals to focus on micro-LED technology. To be
For a still-nascent technology like micro-LEDs, the enduring sure, the company isn’t the only firm (re)evaluating its display
difficulties involving the repeatability of critical steps in its strategy.
design and manufacturing phases is a telling indicator that the For the rest of the sector, this news serves as a reminder that
technology lacks the maturity to sustain commercial applications the promise of a technology never deviates from the process
and market presence. It further signifies that the possibility of a steps and systems that enable us to discern its commercial
major hit to any prospect for commercial success will be tied on viability.
some level to these design and manufacturing challenges. Fortunately, as Schlett writes, photonics can help overcome
It seemed as if our editorial cycle proved to be prescient again; delays and bottlenecks, which it accomplishes through a range of
photonics titan ams OSRAM revealed the unexpected cancel- technologies that, just like micro-LEDs, are subject to frequent
lation of a massive initiative driven by its micro-LED business. and continuous innovation.
The project was reported to be a collaboration with Apple
centered on the tech giant’s micro-LED Apple Watch.
Accordingly, it was anticipated to be a lucrative financial
endeavor. ams OSRAM said that because of the cancellation, it
expects its profits for fiscal year 2024 to decrease by as much jake.saltzman@photonics.com
Editorial Advisory Board
Dr. Robert R. Alfano Dr. Richard A. Crocombe Eliezer Manor Dr. Steve Sheng
City College of New York Crocombe Spectroscopic Shirat Enterprises Ltd., Israel Telesis Technologies Inc.
Consulting
Joel Bagwell Dr. Ellen V. Miseo Kyle Voosen
Elbit Systems of America LLC Dr. Timothy Day Miseo Consulting National Instruments Corp.
Daylight Solutions
Walter Burgess Dr. William Plummer
Power Technology Inc. Dr. Stephen D. Fantone WTP Optics
Optikos Corp.
Dr. Federico Capasso Dr. Ryszard S. Romaniuk
Harvard University Earl Hergert Warsaw University of
Hamamatsu Corp. Technology, Poland
Submit your press releases to pr@photonics.com,

or use our online submission form at www.photonics.com/prsubmit. May 2024 Photonics Spectra 7
524EditorsNote.indd 7 4/19/2024 2:10:20 PM

Contributors
20X Ken Barat

Ken Barat is a certified laser
safety officer with 30 years
of experience addressing
laser safety for end users
Rüdiger Paschotta
Rüdiger Paschotta is the
founder and managing
director of RP Photonics,
where his offerings include
MICROSCOPE LENS internationally. He has writ- design and simulation
ten 11 texts on the subject software in photonics as
and espouses the motto well as technical consulting
“safety through coopera- and digital marketing in
tion.” Page 57. photonics. Page 46.
Jan Bernd Habedank James Schlett

Jan Bernd Habedank is head Contributing editor James
of the Technical Compe- Schlett is an award-winning
tence Center at RAYLASE. author, poet, and journalist.
He received his doctorate He is the former editor of
from the Technical University BioPhotonics. Page 34.
of Munich and headed its
Enables high-resolution Department for Joining and
Cutting Technology before
imaging of display pixels joining RAYLASE. Page 40.
and subpixels.
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Min-Uh Ko Harnesh Singh
Imaging Colorimeter or Min-Uh Ko is group leader Harnesh Singh is director of
Imaging Photometer for additive manufacturing sales and marketing at
and repair laser material RAYLASE and has sup-
deposition at Fraunhofer ported customers with their
• Evaluation of OLED, Institute for Laser Technol- projects in laser technology
ogy ILT. He is responsible since 2005. He has managed
microLED, microOLED, for the research activities numerous key accounts
and other emissive display involving various additive within the additive manu-
manufacturing and repair facturing sector, acquiring
applications with laser mate- expertise in critical customer
• Easy-to-use measurement rial deposition. Page 52. needs. Page 40.
control and analysis

software Wolfgang Lehmann Andreas Thoss
Wolfgang Lehmann is head Andreas Thoss, Ph.D.,
of product management at is a laser physicist, founder
RAYLASE. With more than of THOSS Media, and a
20 years of experience in contributing editor to
the field of laser technology, Photonics Spectra. He has
his expertise is in the addi- been writing and editing
tive manufacturing market. technical texts, with a focus
Lehmann oversees two dis- on the field of photonics, for
tinct products in RAYLASE’s two decades. Page 52.
additive manufacturing
portfolio. Page 40.
Follow Photonics Media on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
www.photonics.com
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524Contributors.indd 8 4/19/2024 2:41:12 PM

Welcome to
The online companion to Photonics Spectra

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webinar listings, visit www.photonics.com/webinars.
Optical Filters: Application and Design Considerations

Optical filters can discretely transmit or reject specific wavelengths or
ranges of wavelengths of light. Using this capability in photonics-based
instruments creates the need for a better understanding of optical filter
design considerations and how specifications influence performance
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Optical Design Summit
LightTrans International GmbH
Lambda Research Corporation
JMO Illumination Optics

Synopsys
Wyrowski. Gregory. Jacobsen. Muschaweck.
T
he editors of Photonics Spectra magazine invite
you to the Optical Design Summit, a virtual event Flat Lenses: Tracing the Evolution
focused on technology and process innovations
from Smooth Surfaces to Fresnel,
influencing the modern optical design workflow.
The one-day event takes place on May 22. Each
Diffractive, and Meta Lenses
summit presentation will be available on demand Frank Wyrowski, LightTrans International GmbH
following the premiere.
Join industry leaders from LightTrans International,
Synopsys, Lambda Research, and JMO Illumination Optics A Modern Optical Design Workflow
for discussions on strategies that aim to address real-world G. Groot Gregory, Synopsys
challenges and bottlenecks in optical design as well as spotlights
on current trends in the use of freeform optics, metalens design
considerations, and more. Overcoming Real-World Challenges
Registration is free for all attendees, who are encouraged to with Optical Design Software
network, exchange ideas in a summit chat box, and explore
Dave Jacobsen, Lambda Research Corporation
opportunities for collaboration.
Website
To learn more about the program and to register, visit www. Designing Freeform Optics for Illumination
photonics.com/OD2024. Julius Muschaweck, JMO Illumination Optics
Register today at
10 Photonics Spectra May 2024 www.photonics.com/OD2024. www.photonics.com
524PSSummits.indd 10 4/19/2024 2:50:33 PM

Laser Test & Measurement Summit
Gentec-EO
MKS Ophir
LaserPoint
Legrand. Kirkham. Crapella.
T
he editors of Photonics Spectra magazine invite
you to the Laser Test & Measurement Summit. Serial Communication for Quick Integration
This virtual, one-day event will explore advance-
of Automated Laser Output Measurements
ments in legacy technologies as well as recent
innovations in the use of laser systems for preci- Félicien Legrand, Gentec-EO
sion measurement, alignment, and safety in optics
and photonics applications.
The summit premieres June 12. All presentations will be Solid-State Light Sources:
available on demand following the event. Understanding the Performance
Attendees will gain insight from industry experts from of VCSELs, Laser Diodes, and LEDs
leading companies, including Gentec-EO, MKS Ophir, Laser- Kevin Kirkham, MKS Ophir
Point, and more. With a focus on strategies for new and
emerging test and measurement protocols, presentations will
examine components, process optimization, and parameter High-Speed Broadband Thermal Energy
qualification for end users seeking to make informed decisions
Sensors for Pulse-to-Pulse Characterization
across application areas. Additionally, this summit will explore
in-process troubleshooting techniques in situations in which
of Fast and Ultrafast Lasers
laser performance is a primary consideration. Giacomo Crapella, LaserPoint
Registration is free for all attendees, who are encouraged
to engage directly with presenters through a summit chat box,
ask questions, and share experiences.
Website Upcoming Summits

To learn more about the program, visit www.photonics.com/
Optical Filters — August 14
LTM2024.
Scientific Lasers — September 18
Sensors & Detectors — November 13
Polymer Optics — December 4
Register today at
www.photonics.com/LTM2024. May 2024 Photonics Spectra 11
524PSSummits.indd 11 4/19/2024 2:50:36 PM

Industry
News
GlobalFoundries to receive $1.5B in CHIPS Act funding

The U.S. Department of Commerce will demand. The new fab has already been At its 200-mm facility in Vermont,
provide $1.5 billion in planned direct granted some necessary permits and will GF will upgrade existing facilities and
funding for GlobalFoundries (GF) as leverage existing infrastructure to speed expand production capacity. The project,
part of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. the path from construction to production. GF said, will create the first U.S. facility
GF plans to use the funds to expand its The measures are expected to triple the capable of high-volume manufacturing
footprint in Malta, N.Y., and to modernize existing capacity of the Malta campus of next-generation gallium nitride semi-
its facility in Essex Junction, Vt. over the next 10-plus years. Further, these conductors for use in electric vehicles,
GF is the first semiconductor pure play two projects are expected to increase power grids, data centers, 5G and 6G
foundry to receive a major award from the wafer production to 1 million per year smartphones, and other critical technolo-
CHIPS and Science Act. once all phases are complete. GF will also gies.
At its existing Malta fab, GF will add receive $575 million in funding for New GF plans to invest more than $12 bil-
critical technologies, which are already York State Green CHIPS, as well as $15 lion over the next 10-plus years across
in production in GF’s Singapore and Ger- million in funding for NYS Workforce its two U.S. sites through public-private
many facilities, geared toward enabling Development activities, and $30 million partnerships with support from the
the U.S. auto industry. The company will for infrastructure upgrades and energy federal and state governments as well as
also construct a state-of-the-art fab on the incentives provided by the New York from its ecosystem partners, including
Malta campus to meet expected customer Power Authority. key strategic customers.
Metalenz partners with Samsung on facial recognition tech

Metasurface optics developer Metalenz system. According to Metalenz, the part- industry. Polar ID is under early evalu-
will use Samsung Electronics’ ISOCELL nership with Samsung provides manu- ation with several leading smartphone
Vizion 931 technology as the image sen- facturing scale to drive rapid adoption OEMs, Metalenz said.
sor component for its Polar ID imaging of the technology within the smartphone The imaging system will specifically
combine Metalenz’s polarization-sensitive
meta-optic with a derivative of the ISO-
CELL Vizion 931 image sensor to capture
Metalenz’s polarization polarized images in the near-infrared
meta-optics on chip. with advanced global shutter technology.
The company has The ISOCELL Vizion 931 achieves 60%
established a partnership quantum efficiency at 850-nm infrared
with Samsung to use light wavelength and 38% at 940 nm.
the ISOCELL Vizion According to Metalenz, the Polar ID
931 image sensor in its system enables authentication using a
Polar ID facial recognition single image, while providing a 50% size
system. and cost reduction over traditional facial
authentication technologies requiring
multiple images.
“Leveraging the performance and
scale of Samsung’s ISOCELL Vizion 931
image sensor allows our Polar ID cameras
to quickly and efficiently determine
the polarization information in a scene,
from which our imaging algorithms and
machine learning models authenticate
the Polar ID images,” said Rob Devlin,
Metalenz
Metalenz CEO and cofounder.
524IndustryNews.indd 12 4/19/2024 2:59:12 PM

VIAVI Solutions agrees to acquire Spirent in $1.3B deal
VIAVI Solutions entered into an agree- The acquisition is expected to close company previously acquired wireless
ment to acquire London-based automated during the second half of 2024. testing company octoScope in 2021.
testing and assurance solutions provider Spirent is a provider of products, VIAVI, formerly part of JDS Uni-
Spirent for £1 billion ($1.3 billion). The services, and managed solutions for test phase, along with Lumentum, previously
planned acquisition of Spirent, whose assurance and automation of technolo- acquired position, navigation, and timing
offerings support the telecom sector, gies including 5G, software-defined wide solutions provider Jackson Labs in 2022.
expands VIAVI’s portfolio by providing area networks, cloud, and autonomous The company had previously made offers
complementary and synergistic products vehicles. The company’s international to acquire fellow test and measurement
for networking and 5G and 6G infra- positioning, navigation, and timing busi- company EXFO in 2021 and 2020. VIAVI
structure as well as diversification into ness serves customers in R&D, verifica- has more than 3600 employees in 50
areas such as cloud service, enterprise/IT tion, and integration testing, including the locations throughout North and South
networks, 5G private networks, 6G+, and testing of hybrid positioning and sensor America, Europe, Africa, the Middle
position, navigation, and timing. fusion under real-world conditions. The East, and Asia.
Scintil, Tower Semiconductor poised to boost PIC production

Photonic integrated circuits supplier Scin- opportunities to accommodate the integra- grated 100-GHz DFB comb laser source
til Photonics integrated III-V distributed tion of additional materials and functions, offering in March 2023. The company
feedback (DFB) lasers and amplifiers including lithium niobate and quantum said that its continued partnership with
with standard silicon photonics technol- dots, said Sylvie Menezo, president and Tower positions it for high-volume pro-
ogy in production at Tower Semiconduc- CEO of Scintil Photonics. duction to meet market demand.
tor. The integration technology grants Scintil unveiled its fully chip-inte- Scintil’s integrated circuits (ICs) are
This month in history

What were you working on five,
Researchers from the National
10, 20, or even 30 years ago? Institute of Standards and Technology
Photonics Spectra editors have Researchers at the University (NIST) and the University of Maryland
perused past May issues and of Bath in the U.K. analyzed NanoCenter developed a chip-based
and demonstrated techniques device to help photon pair sources
unearthed the following:
to fabricate photonic crystal bridge the visible and telecom bands
fibers with a numerical for processing quantum information.
aperture as high as 0.9. This They made entangled pairs with
was done in an attempt to an optical whispering gallery in the
1994 enhance the efficiency and 2014 form of a nano-size silicon nitride
power of fiber lasers. resonator.
Warwick R.I.-based Spectra Science Researchers at Caltech developed

created a gain medium with scat- a laser that demonstrated coherent
tering particles dubbed Laser Paint.
2004 phase communication that does not
2019
It exhibited laser activity in solid, rely on the on-off technique used
liquid, or gel form and its integrated in pulsed lasers. This was done
emission exceeded the fluorescence to potentially increase the rate of
of rhodamine 640 perchlorate dye data transmission in optical fiber
during testing. networks.
May 2024 Photonics Spectra 13

Industry
News
made using a combination involving ported applications range from the data integrates DFB lasers and amplifiers on
standard silicon photonics processes, flip center to AI and 5G. the backside of wafers. Further testing of
bonding, and standard CMOS processes Scintil’s technology is fabricated on Scintil’s circuits by customers showed no
to enable monolithic integration of lasers Tower’s high-volume base, PH18M sili- need for a hermetic package, while dem-
and amplifiers that target improved con photonics foundry technology, which onstrating improved aging and robust-
performance, speed, reliability, and high includes low-loss waveguides, photode- ness, the company said.
density at lower power consumption. Sup- tectors, and modulators; it monolithically
$20M grant funds portable eye-scanning tech

The Advanced Research Projects screenings to more patients at lower costs. This, he said, will simplify the assembly
Agency for Health (ARPA-H) awarded Additionally, the technology could be process and lower production costs,
$20 million to Chao Zhou, a professor of used in applications including cardiology, making OCT more accessible to a wider
biomedical engineering in the McKelvey dermatology, dentistry, endoscopy, and range of facilities and patients.
School of Engineering at Washington urology. “Integrating components on a photonic
University in St. Louis, to support the Zhou plans to build the portable system chip also enhances overall stability and
development of a portable OCT system. using a design based on PICs and custom- robustness, making these systems less
The solution could offer advanced eye designed electronic integrated circuits. susceptible to environmental influences
People in the News

Jenoptik AG appointed Jakob Picqué will establish the department of precision project into a sustainable association. Clarke, a
Habermann deputy chairman physics at the institute. Picqué previously served as chartered accountant, has spent the majority of his
of its supervisory board, a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute career in senior executive roles in technology com-
replacing Stefan Schaum- of Quantum Optics and a researcher at the Centre panies involved in aerospace, electronics, optics,
burg. Habermann was elected national de la recherche scientifique. semiconductors, and nanomaterials. He is currently
Jenoptik
to replace Schaumburg in the the finance director of PowerPhotonic Limited and a

Habermann.
election of employee repre- Focused Energy, an inertial member of PHABULOuS’ executive board.
sentatives to the supervisory board in 2022 and fusion energy company,
has been a member since Jan. 1, 2024. He holds appointed Scott Mercer CEO. Optica named Kenichi Iga
Focused Energy
positions in the investment, personnel, and media- Mercer is founder and former as the 2024 recipient of the
tion committees and has served as trade union CEO of Volta Charging. In his Frederic Ives Medal/Jarus W.
secretary at the German IG Metall trade union’s new role, Mercer will oversee Quinn Prize for his contribu-
Mercer.
central district management since 2014. Focused Energy’s expan- tions and leadership in the field
Optica
sion in its domestic and global markets. Thomas of semiconductor lasers and
Iga.
Micro-LED technology devel- Forner will continue leadership as president of the optoelectronics and his dedica-
oper Polar Light Technologies company and will focus on strategic business and tion to training and educating future generations.
Polar Light Technologies
named Oskar Fajerson CEO. government relationships. Iga, professor emeritus and former president of
Fajerson has a background in Tokyo Institute of Technology, is recognized for his
product management, sales, LightPath Technologies, a manufacturer and pioneering contributions to VCSEL technology. He
and marketing and a degree integrator of optical and infrared technologies, is the author of several books as well as more than
Fajerson.
in materials physics from KTH named Jason Messerschmidt vice president of 450 papers. The Frederic Ives Medal is Optica’s
Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. His pre- sales. Messerschmidt joined LightPath Technolo- highest award.
vious experience includes senior positions at a wide gies from FLIR Systems, most recently serving as
range of high-tech companies during their growth senior director of sales for U.S. industrial solutions. Quantum Science appointed Billy McLaughlin
phases, including eye-tracking company Tobii. Previously, he served as national sales manager for COO. He will be responsible for leading the infrared
FLIR’s fire products division. quantum dot company’s commercial operations as
Nathalie Picqué was named director of the Max the business continues the development of its
Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse The PHABULOuS Pilot Line Association, a manu- proprietary INFIQ quantum dot technology.
Spectroscopy, which will be combined with a facturer of free-form micro-optical components, McLaughlin has more than 30 years of experience
position of professor of physics at the Humbolt- named Richard Clarke director general. His objec- in the semiconductor industry. He previously held
University of Berlin. As part of her appointment, tive is to guide the association beyond its current roles that include managing director at Sivers

and wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan and lower mainte-
nance costs,” Zhou said.
Zhou’s group previously invented the space-division multi-
plexing OCT (SDM-OCT) technique, which takes multiple
high-definition OCT images simultaneously with a single
detector and is at least 10× faster than existing OCT scanners.
The New intelliSCAN IV
The solution leads to fewer opportunities for errors from patient
movement. However, these systems required extensive time and
Smart and Highly Dynamic
labor to assemble components for each channel, which limited
their broad use.
Scanning
With the ARPA-H funding, Zhou and collaborators will
assemble the components in a photonic chip using advancements
in CMOS processes that have benefitted the semiconductor
industry. This will streamline manufacturing and lower costs.
Once the OCT system is functioning, the collaborators will
conduct studies using the device on adult and pediatric patients.
The proposed system is >50× faster than existing state-of-
the-art commercial OCT systems at a fraction of the cost, the
researchers said. By optimizing and integrating the photonic
and electronic circuits, the researchers can create an integrated
Photonics and senior leadership and board-level positions at SmartKem,

Motorola, GlobalFoundries, and Teledyne e2v.
MoviTHERM, a provider of thermal monitoring solutions,

named Guido Deutz European sales director following the
company’s expansion into Europe. Deutz has extensive
background and experience in sales and business develop-
MoviTHERM
ment in the machine vision industry, and previously served

as business development manager for AT - Automation
Deutz.
Technology.
Applied Energetics Inc. named James Harrison director of new product

innovation. Harrison has more than 30 years of experience
in optoelectronic sources. He has held global leadership positions in
engineering and R&D with Tier 1 suppliers of photonics devices, where his
responsibilities have included providing substantial support for volume manu-
facturing of semiconductor lasers and packaged sources.
Ready for
SCANmotionControl
Stefan Ilse (left) and

Thomas Berg, current
managing director of
LaVision
LaVision.
High-end Laser Scan System for
Micromachining and Additive Manufacturing
Laser imaging systems supplier LaVision appointed Stefan Ilse managing
director. Ilse has more than 20 years of experience in optical measurement
Outstanding dynamics for more throughput
technology, serving in multiple roles at Kappa optronics GmbH, including head Particularly easy integration and installation
of quality management, head of operations, and COO.
Compact design ideal for multi-head applications
QUALITY MADE IN GERMANY www.scanlab.de

Industry
News
image acquisition and signal processing years and involve researchers from mul- cally for ophthalmic imaging. The team
engine with benefits that extend into other tiple institutions. At the conclusion also plans to work with commercial
areas of health care, such as glucose sens- of the project, the team expects to have foundries to fabricate the circuits. Mass
ing and portable skin imagers. developed photonic and electronic chips production, Zhou said, would signifi-
The full project is intended to span five and portable PIC-OCT prototypes specifi- cantly reduce manufacturing costs.
Quantum experts present roadmap to EU policymakers

Quantum experts from the Quantum
Flagship initiative of the European
Union (EU) met with policymakers and
representatives to present the Strategic
Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA)
2030: Roadmap and Quantum Ambitions
over this Decade. Themes in the road-
map include economic and technological
sovereignty with goals to strengthen the
EU’s role as a global player in quantum
technology.
The document outlines a strategy for
Quantum Flagship
Europe to build an autonomous ecosystem
for scientific and industrial applications
in the quantum space, with thousands of (From left) Salvatore Cinà, coordinator of
researchers, a robust workforce, and the the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda
highest level of public funding for (SRIA) and program director for quantum
quantum technologies in the world, ac- alization, computing, and communication technologies at CEA Tech; Jürgen Mlynek,
cording to Quantum Flagship. to coexist in a single coherent strategy. chair of the Quantum Flagship strategic
The roadmap is coordinated by the The collective investment from EU advisory board; Thomas Skordas, deputy
French Atomic Energy and Alternative quantum initiatives exceeds €5.7 billion director-general of the Directorate-General
Energies Commission (CEA) within the ($6.1 billion) from the past five years. Communications Networks, Content and
Quantum Flagship’s QUCATS coordina- The SRIA integrates and aligns all these Technology (DG CNECT); and Philippe
tion and support action. It is supported initiatives within a coherent strategy for Grangier, coordinator of QUCATS, head
by specific recommendations for future Europe, designed to enable the European of the quantum optics group at Institut
programs and seeks to merge numerous Commission to optimize future quantum d’Optique, and a professor at École Poly-
quantum agendas from research, industri- investments. technique.
Longview Fusion Energy advances plan for fusion power plant

Longview Fusion Energy Systems heat or power to drive industrial produc-
enlisted engineering and construction tion of materials, such as steel, fertilizer,
$10.3B
firm Fluor to design a laser fusion power and hydrogen fuel, required for opera-
plant — a step toward Longview’s stated tional necessities.
goal of delivering power to the grid via Longview shared plans to build a laser
its fusion pilot plant by the early 2030s. fusion power plant concurrent with the
The California-based Longview aims to U.S. Department of Energy’s December
— the estimated size
use the same laser-based fusion approach 2022 announcement regarding NIF’s net
championed at the National Ignition gain in energy. The company is collabo- of the global
Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore rating with LLNL on the STARFIRE
National Laboratory (LLNL). Hub, which aims to accelerate fusion laser diode market
According to Longview, its fusion technologies through advancements in by 2031, according to
power plants (1000 to 1600 MW) will be designs and laser technologies.
able to provide enough power to cover the Fluor and Longview signed a memoran- Transparency Market Research
needs of a small city when operating at dum of understanding in April 2023 span-
full capacity as well as provide process ning design and planning for the facility.

BluGlass collaborates with Applied Energetics
Semiconductor technology company
BluGlass Limited signed a memorandum
of understanding (MOU) with Tucson,
Arizona-based directed energy and laser
technology company Applied Energetics.
Per the agreement, the companies will
collaborate on next-generation military
and commercial applications, leveraging
BluGlass’ high-performance gallium
nitride distributed feedback lasers in
Applied Energetics’ advanced systems
development.
Through this collaboration, the compa-
nies plan to develop solutions that address
technology needs in emerging dual-use
and national security markets, including
marketing new laser wavelengths and
BluGlass
higher performance solutions that deliver
more efficient and cost-effective products. BluGlass has collaborated with Applied Energet-
Though the MOU sets out the framework ics, an Arizona-based developer of directed
for collaboration, it is not a definitive optical systems for the U.S. Department energy and laser technology for defense and
agreement with commercial terms and of Defense, as well as for defense primes commercial markets.
timelines. and the intelligence community. Its offer-
Applied Energetics specializes in de- ings additionally support the commercial,
veloping next-generation ultrashort pulse medical, and space markets.
Himax IGI’s NanoSculptTM technology

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CONTACT US www.himaxigi.com | sales@himaxigi.com | 612-721-6283

Industry
News
UK funding fuels future telecommunications research
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) The Technology Missions Fund (TMF) space telecommunications, and optical
is providing £62 million ($78 million) Future Telecoms Mission will provide transceivers.
to support the development of technolo- 16 projects with a share of £22 million to The remaining £40 million ($50 mil-
gies that are crucial to future telecommu- support development and commercializa- lion) will support three future Telecoms
nications networks such as 6G. Funding tion of technology solutions. Projects will Research Hubs led by Imperial College
will support projects and infrastructure be led by academia and industry alike and London and the universities of Oxford
that aim to advance telecommunication will work on technologies such as optical and Cambridge, alongside partner univer-
technology. network switches, LiFi, mid-infrared free sities across the U.K.
Briefs
The U.S. Department of Energy opened the Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administra- BAE Systems was selected by the Space Systems
Quantum Diamond Lab at its Princeton Plasma tion (NNSA) for its Omega Laser Facility for Fiscal Command (SSC) Space Enterprise Consortium
Physics Laboratory. The lab will be devoted to Year 2024. The funding will be used to conduct to provide a prototype ground system for the U.S.
studying and refining the processes involved in ICF research in support of the NNSA’s Stockpile Space Force’s SSC Future Operationally Resilient
using plasma to create diamond material for Stewardship and Management Program, which Ground Evolution Command and Control (FORGE
quantum information science applications including maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness C2) project. FORGE C2 will integrate functional-
quantum computing. of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The funding will ity such as telemetry, tracking, command, flight
also allow the facility to continue its research into dynamics, mission management, and ground
Micro-LED displays developer MICLEDI Micro- fusion and the understanding of matter in extreme resource management into a consolidated frame-
displays closed a series A round, bringing the conditions. work. This will facilitate the integration of next-
company’s total funding to nearly $30 million. Since generation assets as they come online. BAE
its seed round, the company validated a 300-mm Quantum key distribution (QKD) technology Systems was one of four companies chosen to
wafer manufacturing methodology and blue and company LuxQuanta secured €2.5 million take part in phase one of the project, which was
green gallium nitride-based micro-LED arrays with ($2.7 million) in funding as a winner of the focused on integration and demonstration of
pixel-by-pixel microlenses in its 300-mm flow. European Innovation Council Accelerator program. prototype capabilities.
MICLEDI will be releasing full-color modules with This funding is further augmented by matching
active backplanes and demo glasses in the first half financing from the European Investment Bank. In The Open XR Optics Forum announced the
of 2024. addition to securing €2.5 million in the form of a availability of its initial MSA specifications for
grant, the equity component of the funding will be Open XR Optics-compliant 400G transceivers.
NanoString Technologies reached an agreement managed through the EIC Fund. LuxQuanta uses a The specifications have been developed through
with health care investment firm Patient Square continuous variable QKD approach. the collaborative effort of the Forum’s transceiver
Capital whereby Patient Square will purchase working group comprising 11 Open XR Optics
substantially all assets of NanoString’s global busi- Luxium Solutions LLC, a provider of crystals used Forum member companies. The purpose of
ness operations for $220 million. The agreement in photonics and radiation detection applications, the specifications is to establish guidelines for
is part of a sale process under Section 363 of the entered into an agreement to acquire monolithic multi-vendor interoperability and multi-sourcing
Bankruptcy Code and is subject to Bankruptcy optics company PLX Inc. and its subsidiary PLX implementations of Open XR Optics-compliant
Court approval and customary closing conditions. UK Ltd. from an investor group led by Tinicum. coherent transceiver modules. All Open XR Optics
The acquisition broadens Luxium’s portfolio by Forum specifications leverage existing standards
The L.S. Starrett Company entered into a adding photonics assembly solutions, and wherever possible.
definitive merger agreement in a go-private subsystem and system integration capabilities,
transaction with an affiliate of MiddleGround including solutions for lidar, laser tracking, and Delft University of Technology, PhotonDelta, and
Capital in an all-cash transaction for $16.19 per free space optics applications. Optics Netherlands launched the “MasterPlus”
share. The proposed transaction is expected to Programme in Optics and Photonics (MPOP) in
close in mid-2024. Following completion of the Civan Lasers opened its first European office in partnership with other technical universities in the
transaction, Starrett will become a wholly owned Hannover, Germany. The office will function as Netherlands. MPOP will be open in September to
subsidiary of MiddleGround. a central hub for sales, service, and R&D, with a eligible master’s students in applied physics and
focus on welding process innovation. It includes electrical engineering. Students of the program
The University of Rochester’s Laboratory for a demonstration room equipped with a 14-kW will participate in challenge-based projects and
Laser Energetics will receive $99.4 million in laser with a galvanometer scanner and a fast internships with companies and startups, including
federal funding from the Inertial Confinement axis XY table. The office serves to meet growing ASML, Signify, SMART Photonics, and LioniX
Fusion (ICF) program of the U.S. Department of demand in Europe. International.

ams OSRAM reassessing micro-LED strategy following project cancellation
Photonics and lighting technology
Company ams
company ams OSRAM is reassessing
OSRAM’s
its micro-LED strategy following the
Re-Establish-
unexpected cancellation of a cornerstone
the-Base
project for its micro-LED program,
business
the company said in a press release.
restructuring
Discussions with the related customer
plan named
are ongoing, according to ams OSRAM.
micro-LEDs as
Following the cancellation of the proj-
an area of
ect, the company will revisit the future
focus. The
use of its assets related to its micro-LED
company is
strategy, particularly its 8-in. LED facil-
now reassess-
ity in Kulim, Malaysia. The company
ing assets
expects a noncash impairment charge
related to this
of €600 to €900 million (around $650 to
ams OSRAM
field.
$975 million) in the first quarter of 2024.
Changes to the capitalization of R&D
investments into micro-LED and reduced
subsidies from public funding plans will
affect the company’s operational profit- The Re-Establish-the-Base program, ams OSRAM additionally develops
ability for Fiscal Year 2024 by up to €50 which the company announced last sum- lighting solutions for sectors including
million ($54 million). Accordingly, ams mer, sought to refocus the company’s automotive. It said that its largest growth
OSRAM will consider additional cost priorities while divesting from “noncore contribution is expected to come from
improvements on top of its Re-Establish- semiconductor businesses.” Micro-LEDs target automotive semiconductor applica-
the-Base program to lessen the impact. were among the retained areas of focus. tions, followed by mobile light sensors.
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PP_Photonics_Spectra_85.8x122.3_Apr23_ad_07.indd 1 28/03/2024 17:34

Industry
News
Tokamak Energy commits to testing laser technology for fusion power plants
Fusion energy technology developer specific locations. To
Tokamak Energy is working on laser supplement this, the new
measurement technology crucial to dispersion interferometer
controlling the extreme conditions inside system will determine
future fusion power plants. The company average density across the
is testing a laser-based dispersion inter- entire plasma. Impor-
ferometer system at its Oxford, England, tantly, this system also
headquarters and expects to install the shows promise in being
system on its ST40 fusion machine later suitably robust and reli-
this year. able to operate in future
Tokamak Energy’s approach to fusion power plant environ-
Tokamak Energy
employs a tokamak, a device that uses ments, the company said.
a magnetic field to confine and control According to Toka-
plasma. The device features a spherical mak Energy, ST40 is the
design to improve efficiency, plasma first privately-owned Tokamak Energy is testing a laser-based dispersion interferometer
stability, and cost-effectiveness. fusion machine to reach system to supplement existing diagnostic systems. The system
“A laser beam fired through the plasma a plasma ion tempera- will determine average density across the entire plasma.
interacts with the electrons and tells us ture of 100 million ºC,
the density of the fuel, which is essen- which is considered the
tial for sustained fusion conditions and threshold for commercial fusion. ST40 fusion device, which it expects to be built
delivering secure and reliable energy to also achieved the highest triple product by the late 2020s. The company expects
the grid,” said Tokamak Energy plasma by a private company. Triple product is a a pilot plant by the 2030s, which it hopes
physicist Tadas Pyragius. “The extreme measure of plasma density, temperature, will pave the way for globally deployable
conditions created by the fusion process and confinement, and collectively a key 500-MW commercial plants.
mean we need to perfect the laser-based measure of progress on the path to real- Tokamak Energy has existing partner-
diagnostics technology now to move for- izing commercial fusion conditions. ships with Los Alamos National Labo-
ward on our mission of delivering clean, Since 2022, ST40 has been through a ratory, Princeton Physics Laboratory,
secure, and affordable fusion energy in series of hardware upgrades to improve Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia
the 2030s.” its capabilities, including new power National Laboratory, the University
Last year, Tokamak Energy success- supplies and diagnostic systems. It will be of Tokyo, Furukawa Electric, General
fully commissioned a Thomson scattering back in operation later in 2024 following Atomics, and Sumitomo Corporation. The
laser diagnostic on its ST40 spherical further upgrades and maintenance. Toka- company is a 2009 spinoff from the UK
tokamak to provide detailed readings mak Energy said that it completed design Atomic Energy Authority.
of plasma temperature and density at work on its next advanced prototype
Intel launches stand-alone FPGA firm Altera

Intel launched Altera, a stand-alone field standards such as PCI Express, CXL, and ship between the stand-alone business and
programmable gate array (FPGA) com- 6G wireless. Intel Foundry Services.
pany. Intel previously acquired the Altera Sandra Rivera, Intel’s executive vice
company, a producer of FPGAs, in 2015. president and CEO of the PSG, also
The company has been operating as serves as Altera’s CEO.
3.9%
Intel’s Programmable Solutions Group Intel unveiled the company during a
(PSG). Intel selected the name Altera webcast, revealing a strategy to expand
after it indicated its intent to establish the company’s portfolio of AI-equipped
a stand-alone company for the group in FPGAs to secure market leadership.
October 2023. The stand-alone company, Intel said, will
Altera’s FPGA AI Suite and Open- be able to better address growth in the — the expected compound annual
VINO platforms use AI to generate FPGA market across cloud, network, and growth rate of the global diffractive
optimized intellectual property based on edge, while continuing to develop the
standard frameworks such as TensorFlow company’s Quartus Prime software and optics market by 2027, according to
and PyTorch, while its FPGAs are de- AI capabilities.
signed to integrate critical AI inferencing The companies will remain strategi- Business Research Insights
capabilities and better intercept evolving cally aligned, with a continued relation-
524IndustryNews.indd 20 4/22/2024 11:55:38 AM

DustPhotonics gains $24M in funding
DustPhotonics, a silicon photonics tech-
nology developer for data center and AI
applications, completed an oversubscribed
$24 million series B follow-on funding
round. The company said that the fund-
ing will be used to scale production of
current products — namely its Carmel-4
and Carmel-8 products, which are used
for 400-Gb/s and 800-Gb/s applications
— and accelerate development of future
innovations.
DustPhotonics debuted its Carmel-8
product at the European Conference on
Optical Communications (ECOC) in
2023. As the company aims to advance
its merchant 800-Gb/s silicon photonics
chip, it also plans to use funds from the
current round to accelerate development
of its next generations of products, which,
it said, will enable 1.6 Tb/s.
The round was funded by a combina-
DustPhotonics
tion of new and existing investors includ-
ing Sienna Venture Capital, Greenfield
Partners, Atreides Management, and Exor DustPhotonics CEO Ronnen Lovinger (left) and
Ventures. CTO and vice president of R&D Yoel Chetrit.

Industry
News
PlaqueTec, Babraham Institute collaborate on blood screening
Biotechnology company PlaqueTec
formed a collaboration with the Babraham
Institute’s Flow Cytometry Facility in
Babraham, England that aims to develop
a cell phenotyping assay to detect cell
subpopulations in human blood. Per the
collaboration, the partners will use assay
technology to investigate the different cell
types present in coronary artery samples
collected from patients with coronary
artery disease (CAD).
Patients will be participants in Pla-
queTec’s ongoing BIOPATTERN trial,
which uses PlaqueTec’s Liquid Biopsy
System to collect samples at multiple
sites along a patient’s diseased coronary The team at the Babraham Institute’s Flow
PlaqueTec
artery. The resulting data from the cell Cytometry Facility. (Back row, from left)
phenotyping analysis could uncover novel Rachael Walker, Chris Hall, and Sam
biological insights into the cell types Thompson. (Front row, from left) Kleopatra
accumulating at coronary disease sites. The Babraham Research Campus Dagla with Diane Proudfoot, PlaqueTec’s
The resulting data will also be integrated awarded funding to the collaborators chief science officer.
with other multi-omics and imaging data to design and develop an assay for the
collected in the BIOPATTERN trial to identification of different cell types pres-
better inform precision approaches to ent in human blood samples, for use with assay will be available as a service at the
CAD treatment. spectral cytometers. Once validated, the Flow Cytometry Facility.
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Coherent CEO Mattera to retire
Coherent Corp. CEO Vincent “Chuck” Mattera has been with Coherent for
Mattera informed the company’s board 20 years, the last eight of which have been
of directors that he will retire as CEO, spent as CEO. He is the company’s third
following the hiring of a successor. The CEO since its founding as II-VI Inc. He
board has retained a leading executive has also served as chair of the company’s
search firm to commence a comprehen- board of directors since November 2021,
sive search process, which will include overseeing the merger of II-VI and
evaluating internal and external candi- Coherent, completed in 2022.
dates, to identify a new CEO. A subcom-
mittee has been formed to oversee the
5.8%
search process.
Coherent
Mattera’s intention to retire, the com-

Vincent Mattera will retire as CEO of pany said, does not reflect a dispute or
Coherent following the completion of the disagreement. In August 2022, Coherent
company’s search for a replacement. extended Mattera’s contract through 2030.
— the predicted compound
annual growth rate of the
global gigabit passive
Optica names 20 recipients for 2024 awards, medals
Optica named 20 recipients of its 2024 awards and medals. The awards celebrate optical network market
leaders in the field of photonics who are making technical, research, education,
business, leadership, and service accomplishments. by 2025, according to
The complete list of the winners is available at www.optica.org. Markets and Markets
524IndustryNews.indd 23 4/23/2024 11:44:23 AM

Technology
News
Liquid crystals control polarization in laser-written waveguides

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Researchers in
Germany developed a method to control
and manipulate optical signals by embed-
ding a liquid crystal layer into wave-
guides created with direct laser writing.
The work could lead to devices that enable
electro-optical control of polarization.
Such devices could open possibilities for
chip-based devices and complex photonic
circuits based on femtosecond-written
waveguides.
Specifically, according to Alessandro
Alberucci, researcher from Friedrich
Schiller University in Jena, Germany, the
advancement could be beneficial for other
data-intensive applications in and beyond
the data center. Alberucci said that the
technology could find application in the
experimental realization of dense optical
neural networks.
The researchers combined two
fundamental photonic technologies by
embedding a layer of liquid crystal inside
Friedrich Schiller/University of Jena

a waveguide. When the beam propagating
inside the waveguide entered the liquid
crystal layer, it modified the light’s phase
and polarization upon the application
of an electric field. The modified beam
then traveled through the second section
of the waveguide so that a beam with Liquid crystal-enabled control over polarization
modulated properties was propagating. inside laser-written waveguides opens a
The fused silica waveguide contained a path to possibilities for chip-based devices
tunable waveplate. The researchers used and complex photonic circuits based on
the system to demonstrate full modula- femtosecond-written waveguides (above).
Friedrich Schiller/University of Jena
tion of optical polarization at two visible

wavelengths. Researchers Alessandro Alberucci (inset left)
“Our work paves the way to integrat- and Kim Lammers developed a way to control
ing new types of optical functions into and manipulate optical signals by embedding a
the whole volume of a single glass chip, liquid crystal layer into waveguides created with
enabling compact 3D photonic integrated direct laser writing.
devices that weren’t possible previously,”
Alberucci said. “The unique 3D nature
of femtosecond-written waveguides other methods, making it a promising illumination, thus acting similarly to a
could be used to create new spatial light approach to maximize the number of pen with micrometer precision.
modulators where each pixel is separately waveguides on a single chip. This “The most important shortcoming of
addressed by one waveguide.” approach involves focusing an intense using femtosecond laser writing technol-
Femtosecond lasers can be used to laser beam inside a transparent material. ogy to create waveguides is the difficulty
write waveguides deep within a material, When the optical intensity is high enough, in modulating the optical signal in these
as opposed to only on the surface as with the beam modifies the material under waveguides,” Alberucci said. “Since
524TechNews.indd 24 4/19/2024 3:03:31 PM

a complete communication network lower power consumption; the possibility As the research remains a proof of con-
needs devices capable of controlling the to address single waveguides in the bulk cept, more work will be needed before the
transmitted signal, our work explores new independently; and decreased crosstalk technology is ready for practical applica-
solutions to overcome this limitation.” between adjacent waveguides. tions, according to the researchers. For
Although optical modulation in femto- Further, although the use of liquid example, the current device modulates
second laser-written waveguides has pre- crystals for and as modulators is well es- every waveguide in the same manner.
viously been achieved by locally heating tablished, the work helps to chart a course So, the researchers are aiming to achieve
the waveguide, the use of liquid crystals, for the use of liquid crystal properties as independent control on each waveguide.
such as in the recent work, allows direct modulators in photonic devices that have The research was published in Optical
control of the polarization. Benefits of waveguides embedded in their whole Materials Express (www.doi.org/10.1364/
the approach, Alberucci said, include volume, Alberucci said. OME.507230).
Measurement tool optimizes semiconductors for optoelectronics

BERLIN — Solar cells, transistors, and electrons, which are negative charge source for charge separation. The charge
detectors, sensors, and LEDs, among carriers, and provide insight into the carriers move along an electric field and
other devices, are made with semiconduc- individual behavior of these carriers. It are deflected by the magnetic field ac-
tor materials that have charge carriers. uses a magnetic field, applied vertically cording to their mass, mobility, and other
These charge carriers are released when through the sample, and a constant light properties.
they make direct contact with light. CLIMAT resolves the electron and hole
Determining the transport properties of a concentration by using conductivity and
semiconductor’s charge carriers can help Bright spheres represent the bound charge Hall coefficient values with analytical
in predicting how effective the material carriers (negative and positive) in a material. equations. It resolves electron and hole
will be for a given application. Until now, A light beam separates these charges, which signals to allow properties to be identified
researchers have determined the parame- are deflected in different ways in the applied from the signals. CLIMAT can resolve
ters of the transport properties in minority magnetic field. With the Constant Light-Induced electron and hole mobility, lifetime,
and majority charge carriers in semicon- Magneto-Transport (CLIMAT) method, 14 diffusion coefficient and length, and other
ductors by using different measurement different parameters of the transport transport properties.
methods for each distinct type of charge. properties in semiconductors can be measured
To enable more efficient, complete with a single measurement.
characterization of semiconductors, scien-
tists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB)
developed a method that records 14 dif-
ferent parameters of transport properties
in negative and positive charge carriers in
a single measurement. The method, which
the researchers call Constant Light-
Induced Magneto-Transport (CLIMAT),
is based on the Hall effect. According
to the researchers, CLIMAT could help
scientists accurately assess new materials
for optoelectronic devices in far less time
than existing methods.
CLIMAT combines light, electrical
current, and a magnetic field to assess
Laura Canil/HZB
the transport properties of holes — areas

in which electrons are missing, which
behave like positive charge carriers —
524TechNews.indd 25 4/19/2024 3:03:33 PM

Technology
News
The use of light extends the range of properties. They used experimental data ticles. Through these experiments, the
materials that can be probed by CLIMAT to fit a simulation model that incorporated researchers demonstrated the versatility
as well as by Hall measurements in charge generation and recombination of CLIMAT and its potential to contribute
general. The free carrier injection and processes. This enabled the researchers to the effective use of semiconductors in
sample conductivity are controlled by to extract crucial parameters associated applications ranging from solar cells and
the light in CLIMAT; thus, Hall effect with traps responsible for charge losses in LEDs to memory devices, sensors, and
measurements are not limited by high the material systems. Insight into charge transistors.
resistivity, bandgap energy, or thin-film dynamics also helped the researchers The CLIMAT method was approved for
thickness. identify strategies for reducing charge patenting by the European Patent Office
The researchers also developed recombination and enhancing the effi- in 2024. In future work, the researchers
correction methods for using CLIMAT ciency of semiconductor devices. plan to further develop the technology
with materials affected by grain boundar- In another set of tests, researchers into a compact measuring device about
ies and parasitic conductivity. characterized 12 different semiconduc- the size of a notebook.
The researchers used CLIMAT to tor materials, including silicon, halide The research was published in Nature
characterize silicon and metal halide perovskite films, organic semiconduc- Communications (www.doi.org/10.1038/
perovskites — two materials with sub- tors, such as Y6, semi-insulators, self- s41467-023-44418-1).
stantial differences in charge transport assembled monolayers, and nanopar-
Techniques converge, yield attosecond spectroscopy milestone

BERLIN — Researchers at the Max Born
Institute in Berlin demonstrated attosec-
ond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy
(APAPS) at a repetition rate of 1 kHz.
The advancement opens avenues for the
Max Born Institute

investigation of extremely fast electron
dynamics in the attosecond regime. Cur-
rent pump-probe setups for the investiga-
tion of attosecond phenomena typically
pair a weak extreme-ultraviolet (EUV)
pulse generated through high harmonic
generation with intense NIR pulses in
the femtosecond range, with each source
contributing limitations.
In APAPS, an attosecond pump pulse
initiates electron dynamics in an atom,
a molecule, or a solid-state sample, and
a second attosecond probe pulse interro- In the experimental setup, NIR pulses were
gates the system at different time delays. focused behind a pulsed gas jet, where
The technique, long a goal in ultrafast attosecond pulses are generated. At some The researchers used the attosecond
physics, has been shown to be possible, distance from the gas jet, spherical half-mirrors source in an APAPS experiment in
though not yet practical. Bulky setups and were used to spectrally select and focus the which argon atoms were ionized by an
low repetition rates hindered the explora- attosecond pump and the probe pulses. The attosecond pump pulse, resulting in the
tion and application of the modality. generated ions are recorded using a velocity generation of singly charged Ar+ ions.
In their current work, the researchers’ map imaging spectrometer. The formation of these ions was probed
approach enabled APAPS experiments in by an attosecond probe pulse, leading
a much more compact setup. They used a to further ionization and the formation
turnkey driving laser at a kilohertz repeti- focus. At a distance from the gas jet, of doubly charged Ar2+ ions. The team
tion rate, resulting in substantially more the design uses spherical half-mirrors to observed an increase of the yield of Ar2+
stable operation — a key requirement for spectrally select and focus the attosecond ions on a fast timescale, confirming that
the successful implementation of APAPS. pump and the probe pulses. The setup al- the involved pump and probe pulses have
While the newly demonstrated ap- lowed attosecond pulses with a relatively attosecond pulse durations. The increase
proach still uses high harmonic genera- high pulse energy and a small virtual of the Ar2+ ion yield around zero delay
tion, the setup differs from those trialed source size to be generated. These ions is due to the more efficient generation of
previously in that the gas jet was placed were recorded using a velocity map imag- Ar2+ when the probe pulse follows the
farther away from the driving laser’s ing spectrometer. pump pulse.
524TechNews.indd 26 4/22/2024 11:56:36 AM

Enable What’s Next.
Photonics Solutions from 350 nm to
The modest infrared driving pulse energies used in the study
enable APAPS experiments to be performed at even higher 13 µm for Next-Generation Applications
repetition rates up to the megahertz level. The laser systems that
are required to drive these experiments are already available or
under development. As a result, the novel concept may enable
unprecedented insights into the world of electrons on extremely
short timescales, which are not accessible by current attosecond
techniques.
The research was published in Science Advances (www.doi.
org/10.1126/sciadv.adk9605).
Narrow Linewidth
Memory element enhances a human
sight-mimicking quantum system
HONG KONG — Collaborating researchers from Asia and
Europe developed a quantum sensing technology that encodes
changes in fluorescence intensity into spikes that occur during
optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) measurements.
The image capture technology uses a neuromorphic vision sensor
that is designed to mimic the human vision system.
According to the researchers, the sensing mechanism is more
efficient than traditional methods, which, they said, are com-
monly limited in terms of frame rate and dynamic range, among
other aspects. The proposed system delivers highly compressed
Broad Tuning
data volumes and reduced latency by enabling enhanced sensi-
tivity and temporal resolution — all using an off-the-shelf event
camera.
According to Zhiyuan Du, first author of the study and Ph.D.
candidate in the department of electrical and electronic engi-
neering at the University of Hong Kong, methods to improve
the measurement accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution of
camera sensors have been areas of focus for researchers globally
for many years. A fundamental challenge, he said, is handling
the massive amount of data in the form of image frames. This
data must be transferred from the camera sensors and processed
further to ensure optimal levels of accuracy.
“This data transfer can significantly limit the temporal resolu-
tion, which is typically no more than 100 fps due to the use of
frame-based image sensors,” Du said of the researchers’ efforts
to overcome this bottleneck.
High Power
Unlike traditional sensors that record light intensity levels,
neuromorphic vision sensors process the light intensity change
into “spikes” — similarly to biological vision systems. This
leads to improved temporal resolution and dynamic range values.
This function, performed in such a way, the researchers said, is
particularly effective in scenarios in which image changes are
infrequent. These scenarios include object tracking and autono-
mous vehicles, because the function eliminates redundant static
background signals.
Using the event camera, the researchers demonstrated a 13×
improvement in temporal resolution, with comparable precision
in detecting ODMR resonance frequencies with the state-of-
the-art highly specialized frame-based approach. Then, they
deployed the technology to monitor dynamically modulated laser
daylightsolutions.com
524TechNews.indd 27 4/19/2024 3:03:36 PM

Technology
News
heating of gold nanoparticles coated on a They said that the quantum sensor and detection and analysis of issues that may
diamond surface. its high temporal resolution can moni- arise during the manufacturing process,
Beyond their favorable results, the tor the dynamic processes of cellular ultimately leading to improved quality
researchers said that the work opens an environments, including cellular signal- control and enhanced performance of the
avenue for the technique of diamond ing, thermal activities, and mechanical final products, the researchers said.
quantum sensing. Further, the researchers interactions. The research was published in
believe that the quantum sensing technol- An additional application could lever- Advanced Science (www.doi.org/10.1002/
ogy, with memory device integration, age the high temporal resolution approach advs.202304355).
could be used for biomedical and indus- to monitor electromagnetic defects in Dominic V. Acquista
trial applications, including monitoring the fabrication of electronic devices such Departments Editor
dynamic processes in biological systems. as chips. This would enable real-time
Nanocavity approach enables unprecedented confinement, lifetime

CASTELLDEFELS, Spain — Research- This concentration enhances interactions confine light for significantly longer
ers from The Institute of Photonic Sci- with electrons, amplifying quantum pro- durations. The nanocavities are crafted
ences (ICFO) and Bar-Ilan University cesses within the cavity. by drilling nanoscale holes in a gold
demonstrated a type of polaritonic cavity However, despite significant success in substrate with the extreme (2 to 3 nm)
that redefines the limits of light confine- confining light into deep subwavelength precision of a helium-focused ion beam
ment, according to the researchers. This volumes, the effect of dissipation, or microscope.
work shows an unconventional method to optical absorption, remains a major According to the researchers, the key to
confine photons and overcome traditional obstacle. Photons in nanocavities are the design involves the use of hyperbolic
limits in nanophotonics. absorbed very quickly, much faster than phonon polaritons — unique electro-
Confining photons to increasingly the wavelength, and this dissipation limits magnetic excitations occurring in the 2D
small volumes has been an area of interest the applicability of nanocavities to major material forming the cavity. After making
for physicists for many years. Naturally, applications in quantum technology. the holes, hexagonal boron nitride (hBN),
when a photon is forced into a cavity Researchers in the quantum nano- a 2D material, is transferred on top of it.
much smaller than the wavelength, it optoelectronics group, led by ICFO The hBN supports electromagnetic excita-
effectively becomes more concentrated. professor Frank Koppens, addressed this tions, called hyperbolic photon polaritons,
challenge by creating nanocavities with which are similar to ordinary light, except
an unparalleled combination of subwave- that they can be confined to extremely
length volume and extended lifetime. The small volumes.
Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), the 2D
nanocavities, with an area of <100 × When the polaritons pass above the
material at the heart of the research
100 nm and measuring only 3-nm thin, edge of the metal, they experience a
advancement, supports the production of
hyperbolic photon polaritons that can be
confined to extremely small volumes.
Matteo Ceccanti/ICFO
Researchers developed nanocavities that

Matteo Ceccanti/ICFO
enabled deep subwavelength volume and

extended lifetime using an unconventional
method. The technique has potential applications
in a variety of quantum technologies.
524TechNews.indd 28 4/19/2024 3:32:41 PM

strong reflection, which allows them to be in Bar-Ilan University’s department of
confined. This method avoids shaping the physics. “This unexpected success opens
hBN directly and preserves its pristine doors to novel applications and advance-
quality, enabling highly confined photons ments in quantum photonics, pushing
in the cavity with long lifetimes. the boundaries of what we thought was
Unlike previous studies on phonon possible.”
polariton-based cavities, the ICFO Sheinfux intends to use these cavities
researchers used an indirect confinement to see quantum effects that were previ-
mechanism. ously thought impossible, as well as to
“Experimental measurements are usu- further study the intriguing and counter-
ally worse than theory would suggest, but intuitive physics of hyperbolic phonon
in this case, we found the experiments polariton behavior.
outperformed the optimistic simplified The research was published in Nature
theoretical predictions,” said Hanan Her- Materials (www.doi.org/10.1038/s41563-
zig Sheinfux, first author and researcher 023-01785-w).
IR FILTERS
Researchers’ 2D waveguides enable dark exciton study FOR REMOTE SENSING
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A team at the 2D materials can be reduced to the
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), monolayer limit by mechanically peeling
in collaboration with Kansas State the layers apart. The weak interlayer
University researchers, developed slab attractions, or van der Waals attraction,
waveguides based on the 2D material allows the layers to be separated via the
hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). NRL so-called Scotch tape method.
researchers also developed 3D electro- The 2D material graphene is a semi-
magnetic models of the waveguides. The metallic material consisting of a single
modeling results provide a toolkit for layer of carbon atoms. Recently, other
designing future 2D devices that use slab 2D materials, including semiconducting
waveguides. The technology has applica- transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)
tions in optoelectronics and enables the and insulating (hBN), have also garnered
study of dark excitons. attention. When reduced near the mono-
layer limit, 2D materials have unique
nanoscale properties, which are appealing
Real-space (left) and Fourier space for creating atomically thin electronic and
photoluminescence images of a hexagonal optical devices.
boron nitride (hBN) waveguide. The real-space “We knew using hexagonal boron ni-
image shows where photoluminescence is tride would lead to outstanding optical
emitted from within the sample. The Fourier properties in our samples; none of us
space image depicts the angle of the emitted YOUR OPTICAL FILTER PARTNER
light.
FOR THE FUTURE
Low-OH Absorption,
High Transmission,
Steep Edges,
Deep Blocking
NRL/Nicholas Proscia
alluxa.com
524TechNews.indd 29 4/19/2024 3:03:40 PM

Technology
News
expected that it would also act as a properties due to the layering. Slabs of out of the plane of the TMD; however, an
waveguide,” said Samuel Lagasse of the hBN were placed around single layers of elusive type of exciton known as a dark
NRL’s Novel Materials and Applications TMDs, such as molybdenum diselenide or exciton exists in some TMDs and emits
Division. “Since hBN is used so widely tungsten diselenide, which can emit light in the plane of the TMD. NRL’s slab
in 2D material-based devices, this novel in the visible and near-infrared. The slabs waveguides capture the light from the
usage as an optical waveguide potentially of hBN were carefully tuned in thickness dark excitons, providing a way to study
has wide-ranging impacts.” so that the emitted light would be trapped them optically.
Graphene and TMD monolayers are within the hBN and waveguided. When “2D materials have exotic optoelec-
both extremely sensitive to the surround- the light waveguides to the edge of the tronic properties that will be useful to the
ing environment. Therefore, researchers hBN, it can scatter out and be detected Navy,” Lagasse said. “A large challenge is
have sought to protect these materials by by a microscope. NRL researchers used interfacing these materials with existing
encapsulating them in a passivating layer. two special types of optical microscopes platforms without damaging them —
This, the researchers said, is where the to characterize the hBN waveguides. these boron nitride waveguides are a step
significance of hBN emerges, because One setup allowed the researchers to toward that realization.”
layers of hBN can screen impurities near spectroscopically resolve photolumines- The results provide a direct route for
graphene or TMD layers, leading to better cence emitting from different spots of the waveguide-based interrogation of layered
performance. waveguide. The other setup allowed them materials, as well as a method to integrate
In the current work, researchers tuned to observe the angular distribution of the layered materials into future photonic
the thickness of hBN surrounding a light- emitted light. devices.
emitting TMD layer to enable optical The research was motivated by the The study was published in Ad-
waveguide modes. challenges of optical measurements of vanced Materials (www.doi.org/10.1002/
The researchers assembled stacks of 2D TMDs. When laser light is focused adma.202309777).
2D materials, known as van der Waals on TMDs, particles known as excitons
heterostructures, which have specialized are generated. Most excitons emit light
Polymer-coated metasurface points to sophisticated sensor devices

JENA, Germany — An interdisciplinary
research team from the chemistry and
physics departments at the University
of Jena developed a material coating, of
which the light refraction properties can
be precisely switched between different
states. The researchers combined light-
reactive polymers with metasurfaces in
work that has led to the creation of new
optical components for potential use in
signal processing.
The structural sizes of optical metasur-
faces are smaller than the wavelength of
light, thereby allowing the properties of
light and its propagation to be specifically
influenced. This in turn enables a variety
of optical functions that would otherwise
be performed by lenses, polarizers, and/
or gratings.
University of Jena/Jens Meyer
Switchable polymers, on the other

hand, are plastics whose properties, such
as the light refraction index, can change
between different states.
“Both metasurfaces and light-
As light hits this photo-tunable polymer switchable polymers have been known
metasurface, properties such as its refractive in principle for decades,” said researcher
index are changed, depending on the incident Sarah Walden, now a professor at Griffith
light’s wavelength. University, and a researcher on the work.
524TechNews.indd 30 4/19/2024 3:03:41 PM

According to Walden, the research team’s ing both switchable polymers, the team
advancement stems from combining both witnessed additional effects. The team
to develop new components for optical members suspect that the two different
applications. dye molecules interacted with each other
The researchers used polymers con- in this case.
taining dye molecules that absorbed a Although the primary focus of the work
specific wavelength. This allowed the dye was to demonstrate the basic principle of
molecules to change their structure and these switchable surfaces, the research
properties. To switch the dye back to its group envisions several applications for
previous structure with the corresponding the technology.
property, light of a different wavelength “Since these surfaces can switch be-
is required. tween different property states with light,
“What’s special about our system is sensor technology is a natural application
that the changes in refractive index affect area,” said researcher Felix Schacher. The
the optical properties of the metasurface devices could also find use in optical data
when it is coated with such a polymer,” processing and potentially in neural net-
said professor Isabelle Staude. works, enabling image information to be
The changes that the researchers processed in the same way that electronic-
achieved were surprisingly significant, based AI does now.
even compared to previously known “However, because this type of data
similar systems. Since all of the polymers processing is based on light rather than
absorb differently depending on which electronics, it is significantly more en-
dye is used, a number of effects can be ergy-efficient and faster than traditional
separated or combined, Staude said. computer-based AI,” Schacher said.
Also in the work, the team found The research was published in
chemical effects that will require further ACS Nano (www.doi.org/10.1021/
investigation. For example, when mix- acsnano.3c11760).
Material offers efficient, sustainable emission for OLEDs

BERKELEY, Calif. — A newly devel- which can be mixed in solution at room
oped 3D-printable material could lead to temperature or up to ~176 °F, to form a
cheaper, more sustainable manufactur- semiconductor ink comprising blue- and
ing processes for OLED devices. The green-emitting compounds. The ink
material, called supramolecular ink, is contains tiny, molecular structures that
composed from a lead-free formulation act as building blocks that self-assemble
that is safe for the environment and public in solution through a process that the
health. In terms of its performance, it is team calls supramolecular assembly.
a highly efficient emitter and converts “Our approach can be compared to
nearly all absorbed light into visible light building with LEGO blocks,” said co-first
during the emission process. author Cheng Zhu, a Ph.D. candidate at
Although OLEDs are lighter, thinner, the University of California Berkeley
and more energy-efficient than other (UC Berkeley). The supramolecular
flat-panel technologies, and provide a structures enable the ink to achieve stable,
higher-quality image, they often contain high-purity synthesis at low temperatures.
rare, expensive metals such as iridium. In spectroscopy experiments, the
Supramolecular ink, which is made of supramolecular ink composites were
inexpensive, earth-abundant elements shown to be highly efficient emitters of
instead of costly, scarce metals, could blue and green light, exhibiting near-
enable more affordable, environmentally unity quantum efficiency. A hafnium
sustainable OLED displays and electronic powder composite exhibited ~96%
devices. photoluminescence quantum yield for
Developed by researchers at the blue emission, and a zirconium analog
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, demonstrated a photoluminescence
supramolecular ink consists of powders quantum yield of ~83% for green emis-
containing hafnium and zirconium, sion.
524TechNews.indd 31 4/19/2024 3:03:43 PM

Technology
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When the researchers added a polymer
to create solution-processable inks for
printing luminescent thin films and struc-
tures, the highly emissive powders main-
tained a high photoluminescence quantum
yield in solution-processable semiconduc-
tor inks under ambient conditions.
To demonstrate the material’s color
tunability and luminescence as an OLED
emitter, the researchers fabricated a thin-
film display prototype from the composite
ink and demonstrated that the material
was suitable for programmable electronic
Jenny Nuss/Berkeley Lab and Science

displays. Through additional experiments,
the researchers demonstrated the use of
supramolecular inks to achieve emissive
3D-printed architectures with high spatial
resolution.
The ink’s compatibility with 3D-
printing technologies could also make it
useful for designing decorative OLED
lighting, the researchers said. And, in
addition to its potential role as an energy-
efficient OLED emitter for electronic
displays and 3D printing, the supramo-
lecular ink could be used to fabricate
high-tech clothing that illuminates
individuals in low-light conditions, and
wearable devices that display information
Peidong Yang and Cheng Zhu/Berkeley Lab and Science
through the supramolecular light-emitting

structures.
“The technology could also extend its
reach to organic printable films for the
fabrication of wearable devices as well as
luminescent art and sculpture,” principal
investigator Peidong Yang said.
An additional application involves
accelerating the commercialization of
ionic halide perovskites for the display
These 2-cm-high 3D-printed objects were industry. Ionic halide perovskites are a
fabricated from supramolecular ink that emits thin-film solar material that can synthe-
size in solution at low temperatures. The
Peidong Yang and Cheng Zhu/Berkeley Lab and Science
blue or white light (top). During lab trials, a

hafnium powder composite exhibited ~96% material(s) could lower the cost of display
photoluminescence quantum yield for blue manufacturing processes, although high-
emission. performance halide perovskites contain
lead.
A single crystal x-ray diffraction image of Now that the researchers have estab-
blue-emitting supramolecular ink reveals lished the supramolecular ink’s potential
the atomic structure of a 1- to 2-nm unit cell in OLED thin films and 3D-printable
(middle). The tiny molecular “building block” electronics, they are exploring the mate-
structures within the ink self-assemble in rial’s electroluminescent potential. The
Eiffel Tower-shaped luminescent structures, solution, enabling the material to achieve stable team members said that this current step
3D-printed from supramolecular ink. and high-purity synthesis at low temperatures. is essential to understanding the mate-
Each 2-cm-high device is fabricated from rial’s full potential for creating efficient
supramolecular ink that emits blue or green light LEDs.
when exposed to 254-nm ultraviolet light. The research was published in Science
(www.doi.org/10.1126/science.adi4196).
524TechNews.indd 32 4/19/2024 3:03:45 PM

The publishers of Photonics Spectra
invite you to a summit on Laser Test
& Measurement, a virtual event taking
place on June 12, 2024.
#PhotonicsSpectra Full program will be announced in May.

www.photonics.com/ltm2024 Visit the events website to register for FREE.
PSsummit_LaserTestMeasurement_working.indd 1 33
524_PSsummit_LaserTestMeasurement_Pg33.indd 4/15/2024 2:40:21
4/19/2024 3:03:16 PM
Displays
Bottlenecks in Process
and Production Hinder
Micro-LED Adoption
Micro-LED displays offer performance advantages over legacy
technologies for product innovations, such as smartwatches
Samsung Electronics
and tracker bands. Yet, mass production remains elusive.
524MicroLED.indd 34 4/19/2024 2:56:05 PM

BY JAMES SCHLETT Although the use of laser transfer labs have reached diminishing returns at
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR technologies, including the ones at the volumes being run,” Schuele said.
Samsung, gives photonics an edge in the “So, mass production is required to
L
race to micro-LED mass production, other drive down costs to the point where mass
ast fall, Samsung Electronics’ major players in this arena, such as LG production makes economic sense. Kind
visual display business vice and Apple, are exploring non-photonic of a chicken-and-egg paradox.”
president, Tae-yong Son, manufacturing methods, such as electro- Until this happens, price points for
described the company’s static transfer. Another commonly used micro-LED technology are apt to remain
process for manufacturing technique, fluidic self-assembly (FSA), prohibitive for consumers. This factor
micro-LED displays as falls on the periphery of photonics. also slots into the present-day micro-LED
“Trying to place a tiny object, smaller For the industry to move toward equation.
than a human hair, in a specific position reaching mass production levels, and for For its part, the MicroLED Industry
and angle.” photonics to remain dominant, materi- Association (MIA) does not anticipate
“Then, repeat this action over half a als and processing strategies must be that its members will achieve mass
million times,” Son said. optimized, and inspection speeds must be production — however it is gauged —
Step one is a major technical under- accelerated. for almost all applications for two to five
taking; it is hardly as formidable as those “The industry is well below mass pro- years. In this period, drastic changes
posed by steps two to 500,000. duction levels, and we have reached the will be required in several micro-LED
Manufacturing challenges, such as point where most of the R&D and demo manufacturing processes, especially
precision placement and process repeat- in epitaxial wafer (epiwafer) growth,
ability, which are necessary to ensure chip processing, and transfer. Though
optimal performance in final systems, The laser trimming process (shown) as well as micro-LED displays offer performance
are a core driver of the high cost of micro- a cleaning process are deployed as part of the advantages in brightness, efficiency, and
LEDs that are currently under develop- fluidic self-assembly (FSA) method to remove lifetime, their production costs remain
ment. Samsung, for example, has priced defective micro-LEDs from the carrier substrate
its 4K 146-in. “Wall” display offering at before the micro-LEDs are harvested.
$219,999.
Further, Samsung said, on top of
transferring 510,000 sub-50-µm micro-
LEDs from a wafer onto a substrate, the
fabrication and assembly phases precede
an additional 600 h of reliability testing
and stabilization measurements.
Hitting process walls

Fabrication challenges have a direct tie to
low production capacity. This is part of
a troubling equation that the micro-LED
industry is striving to rework.
Consider the notion of mass production
— a concept that is fundamental to a
technology’s commercial success. Paul
Schuele, CTO of Vancouver, Washington-
based eLux, says that for larger-sized
micro-LEDs, such as TVs and monitors,
mass production means producing 500
86-in. displays per month.
Micro-LED displays range in size from

large-area TVs to smartwatches (opposite
page). In addition to size varieties, the numerous
manufacturing processes available to display
makers means that the industry remains in
search of a clear path to sustainable mass
eLux
production practices.
524MicroLED.indd 35 4/19/2024 2:56:06 PM

Micro-LEDs
The laser trimming mechanism may introduce

new defects to a micro-LED under development,
including fragments (left) and solder residue.
For micro-LED developer eLux, trimming
process challenges are caused by the laser
spot size being larger than the target
eLux
micro-LED diameter.
considerably higher than their liquid

crystal display and OLED counterparts.
This is why the MIA regards that the
demand for micro-LEDs is largely driven
by such high-end applications as Sam-
sung’s Walls. A lack of demand for more
established, and cheaper, applications is
another industry-wide consideration.
“For mass markets, such as smart-
phones, IT displays, [and] consumer TVs,
it will be very challenging for micro-LED
displays to be adopted as it’s not likely
consumers will accept very high costs,
and the advantages of micro-LEDs over
OLEDs are not as prominent,” said Ron
Mertens, MIA managing director.
Open playing field

In December 2023, the MIA released a
state-of-the-industry report and future
roadmap in which the association said,
“It is plausible that as the micro-LED
eLux
industry matures, different companies

will still choose various technologies and
architectures, and it is also possible that to be a real change in transfer processes,” practices. Most industry players use the
displays meant for different applications Mertens said, with an eye toward the same process(es) to make OLEDS, for
will be different in terms of manufactur- critical two-to-five-year period that the example.
ing and architecture.” MIA believes will be the mass production According to Mertens, micro-LED
Mertens anticipates that a first wave window for micro-LED producers glob- makers will face an open playing field as
of micro-LED displays will be produced ally. By this time, he expects that industry a result, at least in terms of manufactur-
at low-volume settings using current will be much more prolific in its use of ing approaches. Certain methods are more
transfer processes. “For real mass produc- processes. established than others. For displays that
tion at competitive costs, there will need This would be a deviation from current are the size of smartwatches and larger,
524MicroLED.indd 36 4/22/2024 11:58:25 AM

for example, designers and manufacturers said. According to Schuele, heating the
must include as many micro-LEDs as underlying adhesive without exploding
possible on an epiwafer with a pixel pitch the LED is also critical. “Defocused,
of ~60 µm, if not larger. Laser-based misaligned optics, and misalignment of
approaches are favored by producers to the laser spot to the disk all cause unsuc-
help strike this balance. cessful repairs.”
Laser lift-off (LLO), which is often FSA, like LLO and LIFT, remains the
mentioned with another distinct process subject of investigative trialing. Last
called laser-induced forward transfer summer, researchers from LG Electronics
(LIFT), is a mass transfer process that and Seoul National University demon-
separates finished micro-LEDs from strated an agitation-based, surface-
the growth wafer without damaging the tension-driven FSA technique to assemble
micro-LED or the wafer. LLO is well a micro-LED lighting panel with more
established, and variations to the tech- than 19,000 disk-shaped gallium nitride
nique continue to distinguish it from other (GaN) chiplets1. The assemblage took
methods. 60 s, with each chiplet measuring 45 μm
Laser manufacturer Coherent, for in diameter and 5 μm in thickness.
example, has demonstrated a laser solu- The demonstration followed similar
tion to process individual micro-LEDs results previously achieved by eLux.
as small as 5 µm via both LLO and Using an automated FSA tool, the
LIFT processes. Using a deep-ultraviolet company fabricated a 12.3-in. micro-LED
(DUV) excimer laser, LLO transfers display of 518,400 GaN micro-LEDs in
multiple micro-LEDs from the epiwafer a period of 10 min. The demonstration
with a single pulse, or temporary carrier. display featured only 34 failing subpixels;
In contrast, with LIFT, the transfer usu- all but one were repaired with a laser.
ally involves the use of polymer-based Today, Schuele said, eLux is focusing
adhesives to preassemble micro-LEDs on the public information display market.
on a temporary carrier wafer. Using the The company’s goal is to enter into the
optimized material, which is transparent sector with a display of 42 pixels per in.
for a DUV laser, only the micro-LED will (ppi). Its 12-in. diagonal displays (480 ×
be transferred to the substrate without 180 at 42 ppi) use 460-nm GaN micro-
residues. LEDs with quantum dot color conversion
Consideration for residue and epitaxy for green and red. They are tiled to form
are critical. “The epitaxy used in the large, bezel-free displays.
LED impacts the wavelength needed for Looking ahead, eLux aims to increase
successful lift-off. As the bandgap of the its ppi values and hopes to ultimately
epitaxy increases, higher photonic energy achieve 800 to 900 ppi. FSA is not a
is required from the laser, i.e., shorter viable method for augmented or virtual
wavelengths for a lift-off process,” said reality applications, for example, because
Bill Kallgren, systems marketing man- of the tiny pixels that these applications
ager for IPG Photonics. demand.
In FSA, the laser adopts more of a “For automotive applications, like
complementary function. This method instrument clusters and center console
involves the dispersion of micro-LEDs displays, 300 dpi is probably sufficient,
into a liquid. Eventually, in this process, while the high brightness and long life are IMAGING OPTICS
the micro-LEDs are designed to land in clear advantages over OLED technology,” by EDMUND
wells that ultimately become the base of a Schuele said.
substrate. The fluidic technique relies on eLux is also moving from using LEDs
laser trimming and cleaning processes to
remove defective micro-LEDs from the
with diameters of 50 µm to 25 µm.
NE W
carrier substrate before the micro-LEDs Release and catch
are harvested. The company eLux, for In addition to upping its ppi value(s),
example, uses a 355-nm diode pumped eLux plans to further downshift — from
solid-state laser at 50 kHz for this pur- 25 µm to 5 µm LEDs. The laser trimming
pose. challenges that it faces may inhibit this
“In particular, beam shaping to effec- transition. According to Schuele, a major
tively deliver the right amount of power to challenge in the trimming process stems
the micro-LED center is critical,” Schuele from the laser spot size being larger than
524MicroLED.indd 37 4/19/2024 2:56:09 PM

Micro-LEDs
A manufacturing solution deployed at Coherent

uses laser lift-off (LLO) (right) to reshape
the ultraviolet laser beam. Then, laser-induced
Coherent
forward transfer (LIFT) changes the pitch
of the selected micro-LEDs (below).
of legacy and competing technologies,

including OLEDs.
“Today, the individual processing steps
are too slow, or with a bad yield, and
material costs are too high, as well. It
will take some more time to get all that
harmonized and standardized,” Haupt
said. “It starts with the right backplane,
the circuits, bonding materials, and, of
course, with the quality [efficiency] of the
micro-LEDs in all three colors.”
Blue and green micro-LEDs are grown
on a sapphire wafer and, in the case of
Coherent, LLO is used to transfer the
micro-LEDs onto a temporary carrier.
Red micro-LEDs are made on gallium
arsenide wafers, from which they must
be ground or etched away. After optimiz-
ing the micro-LEDs’ release and “flying”
phase in the transfer process, Coherent
and other industry players are working
to improve the “catch” phase. This
Coherent
step necessitates the use of a bonding

material that is both sticky and soft
enough to avoid damaging the finished
its target micro-LED diameter, which is decrease the value even further, down to micro-LEDs upon landing, according to
25 µm. 0%. Haupt.
Therefore, laser optics and beam As it relates to market presence and Further, according to Kallgren, wafer
alignment are crucial to prevent damage consumer adoption, micro-LEDs must bonding itself must be optimized.
to neighboring micro-LEDs. Although shrink to the single-digit micron level, “Requirements vary if there is a tempo-
Schuele said that <0.01% of laser trims according to Oliver Haupt, director of rary bond to a handle wafer for down-
generate new defects, the aim of the strategic marketing for Coherent. This stream LIFT or if a micro-LED array is
company’s “selective harvest” in-process is vital to the technology ultimately being directly bonded to a CMOS wafer,”
quality assurance approach aims to overcoming the current cost advantages he said.
524MicroLED.indd 38 4/22/2024 12:05:22 PM

Jayna Sheats, CTO of Silicon-Valley micro-LEDs, must also be evaluated systems with high-resolution sensors of
based Terecircuits, which specializes during the process. 45 MP, 61 MP, and 151 MP. To support
in materials for advanced manufactur- “Micro-LED manufacturers are look- precise measurements of nanoscale
ing processes, said that one challenge ing for a technology that can handle elements in micro-LED and quantum
associated with LIFT is the distribution single-micron micro-LED sizes and dot displays, the systems also feature
of fragments resulting from the ablation that can provide the highest speeds in fractural pixel method algorithms and
of the sticky polymer on the temporary electroluminescence (EL) wafer inspec- optical components with 5 to 10× and
carrier. Terecircuits developed a photo- tion,” said David Lewis, CEO of 20× microscope lenses.
polymer with high bonding strength that Jerusalem-based InZiv. To improve “Micro-LEDs have driven a need for
withstands temperatures >200 ºC. DUV quality industry-wide, Lewis said, EL higher-resolution inspection systems and
irradiation can trigger its decomposition testing is needed at high speeds to look solutions capable of measuring at the
into completely volatile small-molecular for defects and irregularities on the individual pixel and subpixel level,”
weight fragments, resulting in low fluence smallest dies. InZiv’s solution, which McLeod said. “Accurate measurement
and no residue. the company introduced last year, is a typically requires a minimum of four
Consequently, micro-LEDs yielded high-resolution EL system created for the sensor pixels applied to capture the image
from the LIFT process land on the target inspection of single-micron die sizes at of each display pixel.”
substrate with uniform pressure. Be- speeds of 6 million LEDs per hour. It can jschlett180@gmail.com
cause the approach uses a photochemical also test both flip-chip and vertical chip
sensitization event, which is separate configurations. Reference
from polymer decomposition, there is Tests and inspections occur at separate 1. D. Lee et al. (2023). Fluidic self-assembly
less effect on neighboring regions, Sheats points in the process chain. Manufactur- for MicroLED displays by controlled
said. Also, there is a minimal, if any, ers may use photometric and/or colorimet- viscosity. Nature, Vol. 619, No. 7971,
heat-affected zone. ric imaging systems after the transfer and pp. 755-760.
The method derives conceptually from bonding stages. The required performance
photolithography. parameters of these systems vary. Radiant
“There is less to reinvent to get to a Vision Systems, for example, markets
fully satisfactory production process than imaging photometry and colorimetry
with methods that require both new tools
and materials, and new process monitor-
ing methods,” Sheats said. “The major
limitation has been a material that can
produce the desired transfers cleanly
as well as at high throughput, which is
where our innovation comes in.”
Uniformity
The need for production uniformity AXIALSCAN FIBER RD-30
presents challenges to mass production
that extend beyond the challenges posed Your solution for automated high-power laser
by the transfer process. Production welding in large working fields.
uniformity is measured by overall perfor-
mance, physical makeup/composition, DESIGNED FOR PRECISION. MADE FOR PRODUCTION.
and appearance.
“Because micro-LEDs are an emissive
display type (each pixel emits its own Integrated fiber adapter
light) there can be wide variability in and collimation
luminance [brightness] and chromaticity
[color] from one pixel to the next, causing
an uneven appearance,” said Scott
McLeod, director of product management In focus process
and marketing at Radiant Vision Systems. monitoring
This uneven appearance is called mura.
Producers test and inspect the micro-
LEDs under development at several points
Highly precise and
on the manufacturing process timeline.
dynamic z-focusing
For example, wafers must be inspected
before transfer. The etching(s) on the
wafers, as well as the growth of the
RAYLASE.COM FOLLOW US
524MicroLED.indd 39 4/19/2024 2:56:11 PM

Lasers
RAYLASE via Getty Images.com/Christian Bay

Beam Deflection
Units Increase the Efficiency
of Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Beam-shaping technologies offer
a powerful means to refine process
parameters, boost productivity, and
improve part quality.
524AddMFG_Lasers.indd 40 4/19/2024 2:54:34 PM

BY WOLFGANG LEHMANN, the existing capabilities of LPBF, but they rate. However, the powder’s melting
JAN BERND HABEDANK, AND are also transforming process efficiency, process restricts this optimization.
HARNESH SINGH, RAYLASE part quality, and overall productivity During each passage of the laser,
L
within the AM industry. sufficient energy must be transferred into
aser powder bed fusion This article aims to delve into the the material. Otherwise, the powder will
(LPBF) technology has significant effect of these advancements, not be appropriately melted, and defects
become a cornerstone in the exploring how they contribute to the can occur. The required input energy
field of additive manufactur- ongoing evolution of LPBF and what they highly depends on material types and
ing (AM), especially in the herald for the future of manufacturing. quality requirements, such as porosity
production of metal parts. As Examining the intersection of technology or tensile strength. Therefore, for each
a technique that offers unparalleled preci- and practical application will illuminate combination, the optimal amount of input
sion and material efficiency, LPBF plays a the path forward for industry profession- energy must be identified.
pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of als and enthusiasts alike. Considering only first-order effects, the
what is possible in manufacturing. most comprehensive function to describe
Recent advancements in LPBF technol- The key to efficiency optimization the energy transfer into the powder, based
ogy, such as high-power laser systems, The build rate is central to achieving on established process parameters, is the
innovative beam-shaping capabilities, and productivity for an AM system. The volumetric energy density (VED). This
in-focus spot enlargement, have further faster each layer of the workpiece can parameter reflects laser power (P), scan
expanded its potential. These technologi- be produced, the more parts that can be speed (vs), hatch distance (h), and layer
cal innovations are not only enhancing fabricated. thickness (l) according to VED = P/l·h·vs.
Considering the thousands of move- Any alteration of process parameters,
ments during each part’s build process, such as layer thickness, hatching distance,
Figure 1. Influencing factors on the production the exposure process is obviously promis- or scanning speed, influences the VED.
time of a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) ing for optimizing production speed. And, it will most likely result in a differ-
process. Many different factors offer the Faster scan speeds or larger hatch ent process outcome with changed mate-
potential to increase the production efficiency distances can quickly increase the build rial properties.
of an LPBF process. Still, due to the high However, the VED offers information
number of layers in a typical additive on how to compensate for parameter
manufacturing (AM) process, a strong focus lies changes. Further, this measurably func-
PROCESS
on optimizing the manufacturing process.
PREPARATION
USER Machine Preparation PART GEOMETRY

• Field Calibration
• Preparation of
Training Supports
Build Platform
Experience Build File Optimization Design
Standardization Powder Handling Size

PRODUCTION
TIME
Laser Process Parameters Heat Treatment

• Type • Scan Speed
• Quantity • Layer Thickness Surface Finish
• Hatch Distance
Process Monitoring • Scan Vectors Quality Assurance
Platform • Exposure Strategy
Automation Duration
Recoating and • Number of Layers POST PROCESSING
Flooding • Number of Parts
MACHINE MANUFACTURING
RAYLASE
PROCESS

Beam Deflection Units
2 Required Laser Power Figure 2. A visualization of the demand for high

2000 laser power for process optimizations (left).
Process Parameters
Change in Process Parameter
for VED Compensation (W)

Scan Speed 1800 From the calculations of the volumetric energy
1.8
Required Laser Power

Hatch Distance density (VED), it becomes obvious that high
1600 laser power is necessary once more than one
Layer Thickness
1.6 parameter is optimized. As a result, changes in
1400
scan speed, hatch distance, and layer
1200 thickness can easily necessitate >2-kW laser
1.4 power.
1000
RAYLASE
Figure 3. A quality comparison of enlarged
800
1.2 spot sizes in melted track elevations of
600 ring-mode beam shapes (below). With the zoom
configuration, the beneficial effects of a ring
1 400
mode can also be used for an enlarged laser
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
focus. The elevation of the melted track is much
Combinations of Optimized Process Parameters lower for the zoom configuration, showing a
homogeneous and wide connection area.
tions to keep parts within required
Technical University (TU) Munich/RAYLASE

specifications.
The potential of high laser power

Halving the exposure time of the build
process theoretically allows the scan
speed or layer thickness to be doubled.
But, both changes will reduce the VED PS May 2024
of the process and change the melting be- Additive Manufacturing Lasers
havior in the powder. To keep the energy Figure 2
input into the powder constant, additional Illustrator eps
parameters of the VED must also be Lisa
changed, such as hatch distance or layer Additionally, due to the use of digital
thickness. A reduced hatch distance still remained limited, mainly due to limita- electronics, the tuning of modern beam
means that more vectors must be scanned, tions in the optical setups of the beam deflection units can be tailored specifi-
however, and a reduced layer thickness deflection units. Typical scan systems for cally to the AM application, offering high
requires more layers to be coated and AM use small mirror sizes optimized for dynamics for larger mirror sizes. This
exposed. high scanning dynamics. However, these enables the use of alternative prefocus-
Therefore, both changes will negatively mirrors limit the maximum laser power sing optics and eliminates the need for
affect the production time, counteract- and require f-theta lenses to focus the an f-theta lens, another factor limiting
ing the desired increase of the build rate. laser in the field. These complex lenses the maximum acceptable laser power in
From the VED formula, it becomes clear also limit the use of high laser powers due LPBF applications.
that the best way to keep the volumetric to thermal lensing or back-reflections into These recent optimizations of beam
energy input constant with increasing the scan system. deflection units allow the use of high-
build rate is by increasing the laser power. Fortunately, recent developments in power lasers in the LPBF process.
In recent years, more high-power fiber the field of beam deflection units helped Further, these laser sources can provide
lasers have become available at an ac- to overcome these hurdles and made the enough extra laser power to keep the VED
cessible price level in the market. These use of high-power lasers also applicable constant while the build rate is optimized.
lasers offer output power of up to multiple to LPBF. Moving from an open scan head Also, they offer the necessary flexibility
kilowatts with excellent brilliance, allow- design to a sealed and highly integrated when adapting process parameters.
ing the beam to be focused in the field to scan system with defined interfaces
the minimum spot diameter. Due to their ensures a dust- and dirt-free environment The benefits of beam shaping
fiber, beam delivery can be kept simple, inside the scan system. Combined with When using higher scan speeds to im-
and their standardized interfaces allow optimized mirror coatings, a preadjusted prove the build rate of an LPBF process,
easy integration into AM machines. collimation and fiber coupling unit, and it is crucial to increase the laser power
The use of such high-power lasers has modern cleanroom production facilities, to keep the VED in the powder constant.
been widely adopted in macro weld- these scan systems are now suitable for However, the laser power cannot be
ing. Still, its application in LPBF has laser powers of up to 2 kW. increased unlimitedly, because at higher

Figure 4. Variations in the beam profiles of
an AFX laser magnified at 1.5×, achieved
through zoom and defocus techniques.
The images illustrate that the zoom
configuration maintains the integrity of the
original beam profile. In contrast, defocusing
leads to a discernible degradation of the
beam’s clarity. Consequently, the beneficial
characteristics of ring or flat-top beam profiles
are compromised under defocusing conditions.
laser power, second-order effects start to

occur in the melting process.
Most LPBF machines use single-mode
Technical University (TU) Munich/RAYLASE

laser sources with a well-defined Gauss-
ian spot profile, so the intensity in the
center is significantly higher compared
to the outer regions. This high difference
in laser power within the spot causes
steep temperature gradients, which result
in stress in the material. This can lead
to material imperfections, lowering its
mechanical properties or even resulting in
defects such as cracks or unmelted areas. thermal lensing that can disturb the final deflection units with pre-aligned optics
The high laser power in the center also spot profile in the powder. represents an important development that
might evaporate part of the powder, form- The rise of highly integrated beam simplifies the integration of beam-shaping
ing spatters or resulting in gas bubbles
inside the melt pool, forming pores.
Although such effects can generally
occur at high laser powers, it is the Gauss-
ian spot profile of single-mode lasers that
worsens the situation. Due to the high
intensity in the center of a Gaussian spot,
such effects set in much earlier at much
lower laser power.
The advent of beam-shaping technolo-
gies represents a significant leap forward
in the control and optimization of the
manufacturing process. By altering the
intensity profile of the laser beam, these
technologies ensure a more consistent
melt pool geometry, thereby mitigating
the risk of overheating and reducing the
occurrence of spatter — a by-product of
rapid material vaporization. Furthermore,
the even energy distribution prevents
excessive powder removal from the melt
track vicinity, countering powder denuda-
tion effects.
Implementing beam shaping into the
LPBF machine requires optical elements
with little spot variation over the work
field and precise alignment of the lenses.
To use the maximum advantages of the
beam-shaping optics in the powder, the
modified focus should be combined with
high laser powers, which may introduce

Beam Deflection Units
technologies into LPBF machines. Their important parameter for optimizing the combining spot enlargement approaches
internal fiber coupling and collimation build rate of the LPBF process. Doubling with beam-shaping technology. As the
optics are optimized to influence the laser the spacing significantly reduces the modified spot profiles of a ring or a top
beam as little as possible using suitable necessary scan vectors and, hence, the hat are only well defined in the focus,
lenses and coating and reproducible align- required exposure time of each layer. they start to blur as soon as a shift out of
ment procedures. To maximize the However, wider hatch spacing requires the correct focus plane occurs. Therefore,
permitted laser power of the LPBF larger spot sizes to ensure a sufficient to benefit from the shape of a doughnut
system, f-theta lenses are abandoned overlap between neighboring scan paths. or a top hat for small features as well as
and prefocus deflection units are used. Such increased spot sizes have a nega- for large-area filling, a different opti-
The beam shaping imposes significant tive effect on the minimum feature size cal setup becomes necessary: the zoom
requirements on the alignment of the lens of an LPBF machine, because fine details axis. This setup uses an additional lens
system, the uniformity of the movement, require a small focus. system to keep the focus on the z-level
and the dynamics of the focus adjustment. For this reason, modern LPBF ma- of the powder while enlarging the spot
Modern pre-aligned integrated beam chines use dynamic defocus solutions. By size. However, it requires a precise and
deflection units can provide the required integrating additional optics or by using synchronous movement of the lenses in-
precision and dynamics and help to keep prefocus beam deflection units, they can side the zoom axis. Additionally, a sealed
the optical deviation as low as possible. defocus the laser into the powder, which scan solution and a clean production
Beam shaping technologies represent a results in a larger spot size in the powder. environment for the beam deflection units
cornerstone in the ongoing advancement This technology enables spot size enlarge- become mandatory because, due to the
of LPBF. If integrated properly, they ment during the build process. It can zooming, the power density on the optics
offer a powerful means to refine process combine a fine focus for small features can significantly increase.
parameters, boost productivity, and or the part’s hull and allow the spot to Fortunately, the advent of modern,
significantly improve part quality. increase for the efficient filling of internal highly integrated beam deflection units
bulk material. enabled the use of such zoom optics for
Advantages of in-focus spot enlargement While such defocus solutions might be in-focus spot enlargement. And, this pro-
Beyond increasing layer thickness or scan a pragmatic start for optimizing the hatch liferation offers a promising avenue for
speed, increasing the hatch distance is an distance, they show limitations when advancing LPBF processes. By enabling
New 872 Series

Laser Wavelength Meter
Ideal for laser frequency stabilization
• Frequency resolution up to 200 kHz

• Wavelength accuracy as high as ± 0.0001 nm
• Fast sustained measurement rate of 1 kHz
Accuracy.
Reliability.
Confidence. bristol-inst.com

larger spot sizes without losing focus, it and the integration of sensors for in-line discussed, the future of LPBF looks
enhances the efficiency of the manufac- process control and quality assurance. An toward not only faster production times
turing process and brings up new pos- optimized calibration process can signifi- but also greater part quality and process
sibilities for producing intricate designs at cantly reduce setup times and enhance re- reliability, marking a significant step
high throughput rates. peatability, ensuring that each build starts forward in the AM landscape.
As technology continues to evolve, its from the most accurate baseline possible.
application across various industries is Similarly, the smooth integration of sen- Meet the authors
expected to grow, further demonstrating sors for real-time monitoring opens new Wolfgang Lehmann is head of product
its value in improving both productivity avenues for adaptive control strategies, management at RAYLASE with more than
and part quality in AM. where process parameters can be dynami- 20 years of experience in the laser field. He is
cally adjusted based on direct feedback responsible for the AM MODULE and SCAN-
Potential for further optimization from the build environment. This not only FIELD-CALIBRATOR, two AM-specific
Modern beam deflection units and associ- promises to increase the build rate by products in the RALAYSE portfolio; email:
ated technologies — high-power laser minimizing defects and rework but also w.lehmann@raylase.de.
systems, beam shaping, and in-focus spot enhances the overall reliability. Jan Bernd Habedank is head of the Techni-
enlargement — have had and are still Exploring the frontier of LPBF technol- cal Competence Center at RAYLASE. A laser
having a transformative effect on the ogy illuminates that recent advancements technology expert, he served as head of the
build rate of LPBF processes. Through have unlocked remarkable improvements Department for Joining and Cutting Technol-
the strategic manipulation of process in build rate efficiency. Innovations in ogy at TU Munich before joining RAYLASE;
parameters and the adoption of innovative high-power laser systems, beam shaping, email: j.habedank@raylase.de.
hardware, the LPBF technique has seen and in-focus spot enlargement are revolu- Harnesh Singh is director of sales and
significant advancements in efficiency, tionizing manufacturing precision, paving marketing at RAYLASE and has supported
quality, and the ability to create complex the way for new possibilities in AM and customers with their projects in laser technol-
geometries. setting new standards for part quality ogy since 2005. By managing and growing big
However, the potential for further and the productivity forecast of the LPBF key accounts in the additive manufacturing
optimization remains vast, particularly process. As refinements of these aspects (AM) sector, he has gained deep insights into
through refined calibration processes continue, along with the advancements the AM processes; email: h.singh@raylase.de.
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Optical Fibers
Rare-Earth
Doped Fibers
Deliver Critical Elements
to Dynamic Systems
Understanding the properties of rare-earth
doped fibers — core components of amplifiers
as well as many laser types — is paramount to
obtaining optimal outcomes from engineered
systems.
46 Photonics Spectra May 2024 Image on this page, courtesy of iStock.com/Oleksandr Bushko. www.photonics.com
524SpecialtyFibers.indd 46 4/19/2024 2:57:29 PM

BY RÜDIGER PASCHOTTA
RP PHOTONICS AG
I
ndustry’s favor for rare-earth doped
fibers increased greatly in the last
four decades. Erbium (Er)-doped
telecom fiber amplifiers, for example,
and ytterbium (Yb)- or thulium
(Tm)-doped high-power lasers are
widely used for many industrial and
science applications.
Following the development and intro-
duction of these specialty fibers in the
1980s, the adoption of rare-earth doped
fibers and the photonic systems that they
support did not occur immediately. Yet
even as the use of these fibers advanced
toward, and ultimately achieved, ubiquity,
the fundamental mechanisms behind their
performance are largely unchanged. Figure 1. The evolution of optical powers and
Simply, signal light inside a fiber can fractional ytterbium (Yb) excitation in a
be amplified by a collection of excited Also, the Yb excitation stays ~50% for Yb-doped fiber (gray), based on a software
rare-earth ions. These ions are usually much of the propagation length, with little simulation. Saturation effects drive a linear
located only in the core of the fiber and dependence on the local pump power, decline in pump power (approximately) rather
can undergo stimulated emission. Inject- until it suddenly drops considerably after than an exponential decline. ASE: amplified
ing some pump light into one or both ends 3 m of fiber. spontaneous emission.
of the fiber serves to excite the ions. The strong saturation of the Yb absorp-
Except for certain up-conversion pump- tion, related to the substantial degree of
ing schemes, the pump wavelength is Yb excitation, is behind these effects. doped fiber may differ greatly from initial
shorter than the signal wavelength. When With only moderate pump power, the expectations, since it is hard to anticipate
an amplified signal develops substantial system is well beyond the saturation all relevant details of the physics that are
optical power, it can influence the ionic power, which is as low as 2.4 mW. involved. Therefore, optimizing an ampli-
excitation. This in turn causes the gain to Figure 1 also indicates the presence of fier or laser design without simulations
become saturated. amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) in is difficult — even in simple situations.
both forward and backward directions. The prospects to ensure optimal results
Strong saturation effects The forward ASE is partially reabsorbed decrease when a design calls for a more
In principle, injecting some pump light in the rest of the fiber. This causes the sophisticated setup, such as with multiple
into a fiber will yield signal amplifica- significant degree of Yb excitation near gain stages, ASE filtering between the
tion. For various reasons, however, it is the right end despite negligible residual stages, pulse amplification, and/or when a
often difficult to accurately predict what pump power. spectrally flat gain is required.
will happen upon the injection of light. Figure 2 further shows the influence
For example, Figure 1 shows the resulting of saturation when a 1-mW signal at 1030 Dynamic behavior
profiles of pump power and Yb excitation nm is injected. Here, the signal is ampli- The upper-state lifetimes of rare-earth
in the fiber when a Yb-doped single-mode fied to nearly 100 mW. Now, the substan- ions are quite long compared to various
fiber with a core diameter of 4 µm is tially excited portion of the fiber shortens other laser-active ions. They are ~1 ms
pumped with 100 mW at 975 nm. Surpris- significantly. The signal power finally for Yb and slightly <10 ms for Er. These
ingly, the pump power declines linearly drops due to signal reabsorption, and the values are somewhat dependent on the
(approximately) rather than exponentially. pump power drops substantially faster fiber glass composition.
Also, the power declines on a much than before. Therefore, when placed into a system,
longer length scale than one would expect As depicted in Figure 2, halving the the amplifier gain builds up for a con-
from the absorption coefficient alone. length of the fiber would improve the siderable time after the pump source is
This value is calculated as the product performance. Also, with the gain now turned on. Also, it does not saturate im-
of the Yb density; the absorption cross reduced, the ASE is largely suppressed. mediately upon signal injection.
section; and an overlap factor of the fiber From these systems, it is evident that The amplifier gain is related to a
mode with the doped core. the detailed behavior of a rare-earth substantial amount of excitation energy
All other figures courtesy of RP Photonics. May 2024 Photonics Spectra 47

Specialty Optical Fibers
Figure 2. A 1-mW input signal at 1030 nm is

injected and the signal is amplified to nearly
100 mW. Gain saturation effects determine
that the substantially excited portion of the
fiber shortens. ASE: amplified spontaneous
emission.
Figure 3. A signal output pulse of the amplifier.

The input pulse is Gaussian, centered at t = 0.
With the output pulse energy beyond the
saturation energy, the system experiences
strong pulse distortion.
stored in the fiber. This can be exploited

for pulse amplification. In fact, it is often
possible to extract a substantial part of
that energy with only a single pulse. This
happens in the case of pulse energies that
are above the given saturation energy —
sometimes even in the range of tens of
millijoules. During pulse amplification,
the gain drops off sharply, distorting the
temporal pulse shape.
For example, in Figure 3, the same
Yb-doped single-mode fiber is pumped
for 1.5 ms and then injected with a
Gaussian 5-µJ signal pulse (1030 nm).
Since the output pulse energy is 96 µJ,
a value that is well above the saturation
energy, the system experiences strong
pulse distortion.
In this sequence, it is worth mentioning
that the power amplification factor de- This system assumes an input pulse degrade performance, for example, are
pends exponentially on the average exci- duration of 10 ns, which results in a peak relevant and can be revealed with spectro-
tation and, as a result, drops significantly output power of 8.1 kW. This level of scopic measurements. Further, chemical
during the pulse. Figure 4 shows the state power causes a degree of nonlinear composition can influence a tendency
of the amplifier before and after the pulse broadening of the optical spectrum. for photodarkening of Yb-doped fibers,
amplification. Indeed, the Yb excitation Nonlinear limitations intensify substan- for example, thereby causing the fiber to
drops sharply, which also causes a sudden tially in the case of picosecond or even progressively degrade.
increase in the pump absorption and a femtosecond pulses. The compositions of most rare-earth
much faster decline of the pump power doped fibers are based on fused silica
after the pulse. After this takes place, the Fiber compositions with various additives. These may include
pump source would again require on the The distinct chemical compositions of germanium, which can be used to increase
order of 1 ms to return to a well-pumped rare-earth doped fibers can affect aspects refractive index control; the rare-earth
state. Also, complete energy extraction is of performance. Properties such as doping ions of Yb, Er, neodymium (Nd), and/or
mainly prevented by signal reabsorption; density, wavelength-dependent transition Tm; and, often, other ions, such as alumi-
this effect would be weaker for longer cross sections of the rare-earth ions, num, the addition of which improves the
wavelengths of the pulse. as well as their tendency to cluster and solubility of the rare-earth materials.

In some cases, two different rare-earth
ions are used in combination. The most
common example involves ions of Yb and
Er. The Er ions serve as the laser-active
ion, while the Yb ions, which are used
with a much higher doping density, ensure
the efficient absorption of the pump radia-
tion. The Yb ions transfer their excitation
energy efficiently to Er, provided that the
fiber composition is optimized. Using
only a higher density of Er alone will not
deliver an optimal result due to clustering
and signal reabsorption issues.
Other applications require the use of
non-silica glasses. For example, heavy
metal fluoride glasses enable much longer
lifetimes of certain excited levels of
rare-earth ions because they have lower
phonon energies. Such fibers enable the
use of different amplifiers or laser transi-
tions that would be completely bypassed Figure 4. The state of the fiber amplifier before
by fast nonradiative decay processes and after pulse amplification. The ytterbium
(involving multiphonon emission) in (Yb) excitation drop causes the pump
silica-based glasses. Today, fluoride absorption to experience a sudden increase,
glasses are limited to a handful of niche or a much faster decline of the pump power
applications such as upconversion lasers after the pulse. ASE: amplified spontaneous
and mid-infrared amplifiers, since they emission.
are expensive to manufacture, much less
mechanically robust than silica glasses,
and, as a result, comparatively more dif-
ficult to handle — such as for cleaving
and splicing.
Large mode area fibers WEBINARS

on Demand
Especially in amplifiers for intense light
pulses, fiber nonlinearities are often the
critical performance-limiting factor. To
some extent, increasing the effective
mode area can mitigate this bottleneck. In-Depth Q&As
Featuring Top
Although it is easy to increase the diam- Presentations Industry Experts
eter of the fiber core, most users must
typically ensure that the fiber retains
WORLDWIDE COVERAGE OF LASERS • OPTICS
single-mode performance to easily main-
POSITIONING • SENSORS & DETECTORS • IMAGING
tain high output beam quality.
TEST & MEASUREMENT • SOLAR • LIGHT SOURCES
There are some trade-offs to consider
MICROSCOPY • MACHINE VISION • SPECTROSCOPY
in these matters: Reducing the refrac-
FIBER OPTICS • MATERIALS & COATINGS
tive index contrast, or the numerical
aperture (NA) of the fiber, for example,
is a straightforward way to increase
mode area. But this action results in less
robust light guiding and ultimately makes
the fiber overly sensitive to micro- and
macro-bending losses as well as manu-
facturing imperfections. For rare-earth
doped fibers, this challenge is even
greater than for passive fibers since the
cores of these fibers tend to exhibit larger
refractive index fluctuations. ®
www.photonics.com/webinars

Specialty Optical Fibers
In many cases, with fiber

data obtained from the
manufacturer and
suitable simulation
software, designers and
users can reliably predict
the performance of rare-
earth doped fibers and
thus avoid purchasing
Figure 5. Powers and ytterbium (Yb) excitation
in a backward-pumped (orange) double-clad and testing of fibers that,
(125-µm) fiber. The double-clad design support many guided modes, making it
establishes a relatively large area ratio, suitable even for pump sources with poor in the end, may not yield
which has important implications on system beam quality.
performance. ASE: amplified spontaneous A simple double-clad design is radially satisfactory results.
emission. symmetric, with a circular core inside a
circular pump cladding. Unfortunately,
this architecture suffers from low pump design with a standard 125-µm pump
Additional methods to achieve large absorption for a substantial part of the cladding diameter. This leads to a rela-
mode areas include those that relate to pump cladding modes because it features tively large area ratio, typically of the
photonic crystal fibers, where the trade- little spatial overlap with the core. A order of 100, which has important impli-
off between mode area and light guiding common remedy involves reducing cations for performance.
robustness can be mitigated more effec- the symmetry, for example, by using a Figure 5 considers the same Yb-doped
tively than with other fiber types. D-shaped or octagonal pump cladding. fiber, with the same Yb concentration
Still, a large mode area naturally In addition, a user can apply a degree of in the core, but now with the core sur-
implies less robust guiding. With a weak controlled bending of the fiber, which rounded by a 125-µm pump cladding.
effect of diffraction, which must be introduces mode mixing. We apply 20-W pump power at 975 nm,
compensated by a correspondingly weak Double-clad fiber designs often have a moving backward. Now, 30 m of fiber
focusing effect based on the fiber design, polymer coating as the outer boundary of is needed to obtain reasonably efficient
the mode that forms by balancing the two the pump cladding. Such a fiber is simple pump absorption. This increase in fiber
weak, counteracting effects is naturally to fabricate and features a high refractive length is much smaller than expected
sensitive to additional, often undesirable index contrast, resulting in a high NA from the area ratio, because there is now
influences, such as bending. of the pump cladding. However, it is a lower degree of saturation of pump
problematic to expose the polymer to high absorption. And the Yb excitation is
Double- and triple-clad fibers pump intensities and high temperatures. higher near the input end even though
The injection of pump light poses another A triple-clad design, in which an addi- the pump power is quite low. Because the
set of challenges for high-power lasers tional glass cladding around the pump signal is much more strongly coupled to
and amplifiers. Because it is physically cladding confines the light and the the Yb in the fiber core, the signal power
impossible to inject pump light of poor polymer coating no longer fulfills any is much more relevant for the degree of
beam quality (for example, from a diode optical function, is the preferred design Yb excitation. The same holds for ASE,
bar) into a single-mode or few-mode fiber for extreme operation regimes. The which keeps the Yb excitation low in the
core in an efficient way, double-clad fiber triple-clad approach also allows design- first 2 m.
designs are needed. Here, most of the ers to realize substantially smaller pump To support pumping at 940 nm, for
pump light is injected into a pump clad- claddings. A lower area ratio between example, a much longer fiber would be
ding that is much larger in diameter than pump cladding and core benefits system needed, or, alternatively, a higher Yb
the core. This pump cladding can also performance for certain applications. density if a larger core alone would not
have a much larger NA. Therefore, it can It is most common to use a double-clad be sufficient. With more Yb in the fiber,

the reabsorption at the 1030 nm signal While waveguide parameters of the Efficient development of fiber devices
wavelength would be correspondingly fibers are typically well known, the Forty years after their arrival, the
stronger. The maximum effective gain spectroscopic details are not so easy to principles of rare-earth doped fibers are
then shifts to longer wavelengths. For this determine. This is especially true in more comprehensively understood. This is vital
reason, Yb-doped double-clad fibers are complicated cases, such as when energy to their continued wide use, since a deep
often used for amplification in the longer- transfer between ions or excited state qualitative and quantitative understand-
wavelength region, which unfortunately absorption is relevant. Certain important ing is essential to the efficient develop-
increases the quantum defect. Neverthe- quantities cannot be measured directly, ment of fiber amplifiers and lasers. Pure
less, the power conversion efficiency can but one can use simulation models to fit intuition based on simple pictures will
easily exceed 80%. spectroscopic parameters to available often fail due to complications intro-
data. duced by strong pump and gain satura-
Fiber characterization So, if manufacturers invest in compre- tion, signal reabsorption, and ASE, for
For rare-earth doped and specialty fibers, hensive fiber characterization, they can example. In many cases, with fiber data
it is highly desirable that the manufac- market fibers with predictable perfor- obtained from the manufacturer and suit-
turer specifies all relevant parameters, mance. This enables customers to achieve able simulation software, designers and
because this information makes the fiber success without many optimization steps. users can reliably predict the performance
performance predictable. With simulation For relatively standard fibers, for of rare-earth doped fibers and thus avoid
software, users (or their consultants) can example, doped with ions of Yb, Er, or purchasing and testing of fibers that, in
then work out amplifier and laser designs Nd, suppliers often deliver relatively the end, may not yield satisfactory results.
before purchasing components. As expe- comprehensive and reliable spectroscopic
rienced system designers and end users data, at least for use with the common Meet the author
know, analyzing and solving all varieties pump and amplification transitions. For Rüdiger Paschotta is the founder and managing
of problems based on lab experiments can more specialized fibers and use cases, director of RP Photonics, where his offerings
be tedious, time-consuming, and expen- however, users often must measure include design and simulation software in
sive, since failure to achieve the desired certain fiber parameters themselves, or photonics as well as technical consulting and
performance often does not indicate the accept substantially more iterations until digital marketing in photonics; email: pas-
underlying problem and its solution. they achieve optimized device designs. chotta@rp-photonics.com.

Lasers
3D metal printing in record time: A computer

numerical control machine modified for the
extreme high-speed laser material deposition
(EHLA) technique performs highly dynamic and
precise tool movements in the transverse
direction. With a rotary and tilting table, it is
suitable for additive manufacturing as well as
for coating freeform surfaces.
Fine and Fast

Metal Printing
Meets Industrial Challenges in 3D
In 3D printing, a new method
offers an effective compromise
for the unavoidable trade-off
between precision and buildup time.
52 Photonics Spectra May 2024 All images courtesy of Fraunhofer ILT. www.photonics.com
524AddMFG_Effort.indd 52 4/19/2024 2:29:18 PM

BY MIN-UH KO is continuously introduced and melted. Westfälische Technische Hochschule
FRAUNHOFER ILT, The laser melts both the substrate and (RWTH) Aachen developed a method to
AND ANDREAS THOSS the filler material, resulting in a fusion- replace procedures such as poisonous
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR metallurgical bond between the coating chromium hard plating and thermal
T
and the carrier component. This method is spraying. This advancement occurred
wo laser-based methods normally chosen to improve the mechani- after European regulations established
have taken precedence in cal properties of the surface or to harden bans in 2017 on hazardous technologies,
additive manufacturing it against corrosion. including chromium hard plating. The
during the past several Both methods offer strengths and newly devised method enabled rapid
decades. In the first, the weaknesses. In Figure 1, LMD, for coating of rotational symmetric compo-
laser builds a larger 3D example, excels with buildup rates — at nents with metallic alloys for corrosion
structure out of 2D contours in a powder limited precision — while LPBF achieves and wear resistance.
bed. In the second, a material is deposited better structural resolution, typically at a The primary objective of this method,
on a surface and melted by the laser to slower pace. LPBF is a standard process called extreme high-speed laser
create a new surface. As is necessary of to produce complex parts in small quanti- material deposition (EHLA, in German),
other laser processes, it is critical to strike ties, while LMD helps to economically is to use a nozzle to deposit metal
a balance between precision and process repair worn surfaces, such as of turbine powder on the surface of a workpiece
speed. components. and melt this powder with a laser
Such a compromise between param- beam before it hits the surface. The
eters, as it turns out, is an effective gauge High-speed laser material deposition mechanism differs significantly from
to differentiate the processes. A few years ago, German researchers conventional LMD, in which the filler
The first method was named laser from Fraunhofer ILT and Rheinisch- material is melted in the melt pool on the
powder bed fusion (LPBF) by its devel- workpiece.
opers at Fraunhofer Institute for Laser EHLA achieves process speeds
Technology ILT (Fraunhofer ILT) when Figure 1. Within additive manufacturing, there between 20 and 500 m/min and coating
they received a basic patent for the is always a trade-off between buildup time rates >5 m2/h. It also solves the problem
innovation in the 1990s. Since then, and structural resolution. This is noticeable in la- of layer thickness. Using legacy thermal
members from industry have subse- ser powder bed fusion (LPBF) versus laser metal spraying technology, layers are typically
quently coined many different names deposition (LMD) as well as when considering required to be between 500- and 1000-µm
for this process, which typically refer to extreme high-speed laser material deposition thick. The EHLA process allows for
various highly similar methods. These (EHLA).
include selective laser melting (SLM,
Nikon SLM solutions); direct metal laser High
sintering (EOS); laser cusing (Concept
Laser); and laser metal fusion (TRUMPF
and Sisma 3D). Still, these variations
include direct metal printing as well as
LPBF of metals.
The basic procedure underlying LPBF
is relatively simple: A laser beam hits a EHLA 3D
point in an even powder bed and melts Layer Thickness:
it while moving along a contour. Next, 50 to 300 μm
Build Rates
a new layer of powder is added, and the LMD

laser starts again. Over time, the laser Layer
builds a 3D shape out of the 2D contours. Thickness:
The excess powder is removed when the 500 to 2000 μm
3D shape is completed. Post-processing
can then be applied to remove support
structures or achieve a perfect surface. LPBF
The second method is directed energy Layer Thickness:
deposition (DED), or laser metal deposi- 30 to 100 μm
tion (LMD), and it is sometimes referred
to as laser cladding. In this process,
the laser creates a molten pool on the Low
surface of the workpiece, into which the
powder- or wire-based filler material Coarse Structural Size Fine

High-Speed Additive Manufacturing
Figure 2. Custom optics create a circular focus

coaxially onto a central wire. The solution aims
to avoid interrupting and/or distorting the laser
beam without hindering the extreme high-speed
laser material deposition (EHLA) operation.
layers that measure as small as 25 to Nozzles and optics significantly lengthened the service life
250 µm. A coaxial supply of powder and laser of the process. Further, for areas that
Additionally, the individual layers are power is crucial for the quality of any are difficult to access, they developed
nonporous, and they bond firmly to the LMD process. This is especially true for a lateral powder nozzle, which directs
substrate. The EHLA process uses ~90% a rapid process such as EHLA. Therefore, the powder jet laterally into the laser
of the powder materials for the coating the team at Fraunhofer ILT has developed beam.
deposition. This makes the process far a series of custom nozzles and optics. In a regular setting, the laser beam is
more efficient. Plus, the small weld pool, For the powder nozzle, the team centered in the nozzle construction and
thin layers, and a minimum heat affected addressed two challenges: In the first, the powder gas jet enters it conically to
zone of ~10 µm enable users to process the powder gas jet should be made ensure direction-independent processing.
difficult-to-weld materials and mate- adjustable to optimize the injection of Since a wire cannot be fed to be conical,
rial pairings, such as alloys of iron (Fe), the powder into the laser beam. Secondly, it must be in the center, and the laser
nickel (Ni), cobalt, and copper as well as the powder gas jet should be dense to beam itself must be conical to avoid
metallic glasses and high-entropy alloys. maximize powder efficiency. directional dependencies in-process.
Today, EHLA is an established method To meet the demands on the nozzle This principle raises a question: How
for various industrial applications. These component, the researchers developed a can a wire be fed into the laser focus
include the manufacture of brake disks, powder gas-jet canal for homogeneous without interrupting the laser beam?
pistons and cylinders, and bearings for the powder distribution. In combination with The Fraunhofer ILT scientists over-
automotive sector. Major manufacturers a protective gas stream, they adapted came the bottleneck using special beam
currently market machines that apply this the powder gas stream to the laser beam shaping optics. First, the laser beam is
process, which are currently in produc- caustic and, at the same time, optimized transformed into a ring shape, which is
tion in several countries in Europe, the the powder focus. By surface finishing then split into two semicircles; these are
Americas, and Asia. the powder flow surfaces, the researchers focused onto the workpiece and reunited

Figure 3. The extreme high-speed laser material
deposition (EHLA) method has been transferred
into a modified 5-axis computer numerical control
system in which the nozzle moves (above).
Figure 4. The extreme high-speed laser material

deposition (EHLA) 3D process pioneered
by Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology
ILT (Fraunhofer ILT) is currently used in various
applications (right). Beyond the 5-axis computer
numerical control system, the method has
additionally been transferred into a tripod
kinematics with a stationary nozzle.
in the final laser focus (Figure 2). These

optics can currently be purchased from
laser company Precitec. Additional
wire-based processing optics follow a
similar approach in which several
discrete laser beams are arranged coaxi-
ally around the wire. These systems are
also available from several companies,
including Meltio and Oscar PLT.
EHLA offers a dynamic solution for
rotational symmetric parts. But, as

High-Speed Additive Manufacturing
it is the tendency of engineers to anticipate advancements,

Fraunhofer ILT began to focus on kinematics.
Since 2019, Fraunhofer ILT has been working simultaneously
on two systems engineering approaches to transfer the EHLA
coating technology to additive manufacturing and freeform
machining. The first is a tripod kinematics (v max = 200 m/min)
approach, in cooperation with manufacturing solutions firm
ponticon GmbH, which uses stationary processing optics.
The second initiative is a modified 5-axis computer numerical
control system (v max = 30 m/min), in cooperation with tool
manufacturer Makino Asia Pte Ltd. The workpiece moves in
the first method, whereas the laser optics are in motion in this
second approach.
Importantly, the 3D approach(es) retain the benefits of the
original EHLA solution: low heat transfer and effective powder
utilization (>90%). These advantages are combined with high
3D productivity. Regarding structural resolution, original
LMD, with its 500- to 2000-μm thick layers, is comparable to
the structurally targeted, precise buildup of LPBF with
30- to 100-μm thick layers. EHLA 3D is in the mid-range of
these values, with layers ranging 50- to 300-μm thick.
Fabrication yielded solid volumes that were crack-free,
with relative densities of >99.5%. And, to date, numerous
materials have been validated. This includes materials that are
Fe-based (316L, M2); Ni-based (IN625, IN718, and IN738);
aluminum-based (AlSi10Mg, AlSi12, AlMg, among others);
as well as the materials Ti64, CuSn12Ni2, and aluminum-
bronze. Recycled powders have also been tested.
The EHLA 3D process has been validated and is currently
used in various applications. Most are covered by nondisclosure
agreements — though it can be said that the buildup of thin-
walled parts from aluminum is among them. The repair of
difficult-to-grind materials in aerospace technology, for
example, is a field for which EHLA 3D has raised interest.
Additive manufacturing has advanced from a research topic
to a mature solution. Several procedures are currently available,
differing in structural precision and throughput. Following the
GET HIGHER technical progress, the favored method should be chosen based
on the task of an application rather than the availability of a
certain technology.
LPBF YIELDS Meet the authors
Min-Uh Ko is group leader in additive manufacturing and repair laser
metal deposition (LMD) at Fraunhofer ILT. He is responsible for the
New scan head & controller/ research activities involving various additive manufacturing and repair
software eco-system optimized applications with LMD; email: min-uh.ko@ilt.fraunhofer.de.
Andreas Thoss, Ph.D., is a laser physicist, founder of THOSS Media,
for faster throughput and and a contributing editor to Photonics Spectra. He has been writing and
improved finish quality. editing technical texts, with a focus on the ﬁeld of photonics, for two
decades; email: th@thoss-media.de.
Learn More
Find out more at:

www.novantaphotonics.com

Laser
Safety
LED Applications Require Exposure Limits

to Safeguard Consumers
BY KEN BARAT
LASER SAFETY SOLUTIONS
M
any products, including with reality. Consider the attention that Rather than the LED itself, however, it
some that are indispensable was paid to fears of a link between power- is the applications — and, most notably, a
to modern society, experi- lines and cancer in the 1980s and ’90s. lack of application standards, guidelines,
ence widespread adoption The application of LEDs is already and awareness by designers — that pose
before consequential health widespread, and use of the devices contin- the greatest risk. To be sure, LEDs are far
and safety risks emerge. Sometimes ues to expand. As such, it is important to from the only photonics technology area
these adverse effects are minimal, affect recognize that these light sources present in which applications travel in a much
a small percentage of the population, or some health concerns to consumers. Much faster lane than standards and regulations.
occur only in certain unlikely circum- of the concern around LEDs pertains to
stances. The exposure to asbestos and brightness levels and the effect of high Light response
lead concentrations in consumer paints, luminance on some individuals. While The focus on the harmful effects caused
for example, can result in more dire the lifetime, cost, brightness, and energy by LED illumination and strobing
consequences. efficiency of these devices are well es- effects is largely derived from anecdotal
In other cases, the perception of health tablished, the risks are often overlooked, discussions, although published reports
and safety risks may not completely align misunderstood, or left unaddressed. raise the matter. In 2018, the European
Commission published the Scientific
Committee on Health, Environmental
and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) report,
Opinion on Potential risks to human health
of Light Emitting Diodes. In its abstract,
the report states that certain knowledge
gaps exist in understanding potential
risks to human health from LEDs.
In terms of choosing sides, the report
is by no means definitive in its assertion,
but the report does identify a dilemma:
the void that exists without bona fide
conclusions that inform how a technology
may affect those who are apt to use it.
Another issue that pertains to the
consumers who use LEDs involves the
prevalence of LEDs. It ensures that
pilots of nearly any vessel type as well
as pedestrians and even those engaged
in recreational activities will frequently
encounter high-brightness sources during
daily life. Yet, unlike the emergence of
the laser, for which high-power capabili-
ties were widely acknowledged from the
start, LEDs began with low outputs and
variations. Today, this hardly remains so.
Image courtesy of iStock.com/baona. May 2024 Photonics Spectra 57
524LaserSafety.indd 57 4/19/2024 2:49:05 PM

Laser
Safety
In fact, some modern deployments opt limits exist for a range of chemical,
for LEDs specifically because of their physical, and energy measurables.
extreme brightness capabilities. At Since these limits must be inclusive
Arnhem Terrace Tunnel in Derby, and consider adverse effects on physical
England, for example, authorities recently as well as psychological well-being,
upgraded the legacy lighting system to there may be opportunities to consider
high-brightness white light LEDs. The “photo-psychological” exposure limits
aim is to produce of incoherent
such a high level of artificial optical
illumination that radiation. In ap-
people will opt to More than 13,000 incidents plications that relate
vacate the tunnel to transportation
rather than use it for of pilot illuminations, or safety, high
prolonged stays and/ exposure levels
or recreational or
illicit activity.
“laser strike” incidents, can cause distrac-
tions, glare, flash
There is no doubt blinding, and retinal
that using readily
were reported last year. damage. Each can
available commer- lead to serious
cial technology is a Although few pilots incidents in addition
boon for cost savings to extended negative
and maintenance. received retinal injuries health outcomes.
On the other hand, In terms of
such an installa- from these events, the standardization, it
tion ought to give is important once
light source experts distraction factor during again to separate
pause, especially concern about LEDs
amid the growing from LED-enabled
use of LEDs in
critical flight activities applications. While
automotive technol- there is a lamp
ogy. A roadway with poses a major concern. standard, for
frequent automobile example, it governs
and, evidently, foot very few LED
traffic is a challenging setting for an applications that pose serious risks to
intentionally distracting bright light health and safety.
source. The distraction caused by At a time when LEDs have not yet
LED headlights, and complaints about plateaued in their capabilities and advan-
billboards and other LEDs on or above tages — namely, cost effectiveness and
roadways, are already commonplace. illumination — it is important to remem-
Speaking of LEDs above roadways, ber that leaving technical applications
airplane and helicopter pilots are also unchecked, such as through an absence of
susceptible to LED light, as well as standards and regulations, has frequently
undesired light from other sources, such been shown to be a mistake. Designers
as laser pointers. More than 13,000 and regulatory bodies must now consider
incidents of these so-called pilot illumi- appropriate limits. Further, they must
nations, or “laser strike” incidents, were extend their consideration beyond the
reported last year. Although few pilots traditional photochemical or photo-
received retinal injuries from these thermal effects and consider neurological
events, the distraction factor during criti- manifestation, including migraines and
cal flight activities poses a major concern. seizures.
lasersafetysolutions@gmail.com
Exposure limits
Though currently implemented beyond Acknowledgments
the scope of LEDs, exposure limits, as The author wishes to thank Mark Baker, Janine
established by consensus standards and Manuel, and Randy Paura for their discussions
then regulations, play a critical role in and feedback on this topic.
safeguarding the public and the workers
against a wide range of hazards. These
www.photonics.com
524LaserSafety.indd 58 4/22/2024 12:40:55 PM

LASER-TEC
College Profile
Gallatin College, Montana State University

Bozeman, Montana
LASER-TEC is the Center for Laser and
Fiber Optics Education, founded in 2013
by the National Science Foundation (NSF)
and headquartered at Indian River State
College in Florida. It was established
to help meet the goals of educating and
sourcing domestic talent in the areas
of optics and photonics. As a service to
students, recent graduates, and prospec-
tive employers, Photonics Spectra runs a
profile of one of the LASER-TEC colleges
each month.
T
he state of Montana encom-
passes one of the densest per
capita clusters of optics and A student characterizing the properties of a
photonics institutions in the polarizing beamsplitter.
U.S. To meet the ever-growing and troubleshoot advanced electro-optics
workforce demands of this industry, systems.
Gallatin College offers an Associate of understand the scientific principles of
Applied Science (AAS) degree in photon- electronics, photonics, and advanced Specific knowledge and skills
ics and laser technology (PLT) to develop manufacturing. This includes a focus on of graduates include:
highly trained photonics and electro- the fundamentals of light, geometric and ● The ability to excel as a technician
optics technicians. physical optics, laser systems and their in electronics, optics, laser, and
Located in Bozeman, Mont., the college associated applications, and advanced photonics fields.
complements four-year programs at manufacturing techniques. Graduates will ● Overall knowledge in laser systems,
Montana State University (MSU) and also have a foundational understanding electronics, optics, and electro-
ensures access to workforce development of AC and DC circuits, and the funda- optics/photonics.
that promotes a vibrant local economy. mentals of solid-state devices and digital ● K nowledge in the fundamentals of
Since its inception in the autumn of 2016, electronics. light, including the nature of light,
the PLT program has graduated approxi- Gallatin College MSU’s PLT program geometric optics, wave optics, optical
mately 40 technicians. Numerous com- prepares students to become technicians components, optomechanical
panies from the Gallatin Valley regional in photonics and electro-optics who are components, positioning equipment,
photonics cluster have hired and continue capable of working on products or devices the physics of laser operation, fibers
to hire graduates from the program as the used in manufacturing, communications, and fiber optics, and overall laser
local industry has experienced rapid defense, homeland security, the medical safety.
growth in recent years. Companies em- industry, information technology, energy, ● Demonstrated knowledge in electron-
ploying Gallatin College PLT graduates environmental monitoring, lighting, ics, including AC and DC circuits,
include Lumibird, Aurora, AdvR Inc., displays, and entertainment. A large basic electronic components, and the
Quantum Composers, Bridger Photonics, portion of the electronics and photonics ability to maintain and clean equip-
Lattice Materials, and others. curriculum is hands-on. Students spend ment and tools required in the fields
most of their time working in a laboratory of optics, lasers, and photonics.
Program description environment, applying theoretical knowl- ● The ability to analyze, configure,
Students completing Gallatin Col- edge to master the use of relevant test test, measure, troubleshoot, and assist
lege MSU’s AAS program in PLT will and measurement equipment to construct with problems that arise in a profes-
Images courtesy of Montana State University and Gallatin College. May 2024 Photonics Spectra 59
524LaserTec_Gallatin.indd 59 4/19/2024 2:51:30 PM

LASER-TEC
College Profile
ductor fabrication, optical systems,
electronics, and military applications.
How to recruit from this college

If you are interested in recruiting students
from Gallatin College MSU, please reach
out to our program director or come to
our college to present your company and
employment opportunities to our students.
We will provide, free of charge, a private
room in which to interview interested
students. Please contact us to arrange
a recruiting visit. Current students are
always seeking internship opportunities,
and graduates are available every May.
Contact information
Mark Craig, Program Director
Students construct an experiment to determine of Photonics and Laser Technology
the polarization extinction ratio of a polarizing +1 406-994-5147
beamsplitter. mark.craig@montana.edu
procedures, and results in written, 100 Hamilton Hall
oral, and graphical formats. Bozeman, MT 59715
sional optics, laser, and photonics ● The preparation for a variety of
environment. careers in design and manufacturing, Program website
● Skills to communicate with other materials processing, communica- www.gallatin.montana.edu/programs/
professionals about technical ideas, tions, medical applications, semicon- photonics-laser.html
524LaserTec_Gallatin.indd 60 4/22/2024 12:39:51 PM

Product
News
zoom, an integrated phase measuring recep-
tacle, and a weight of ~45 lbs.
zygo.info@ametek.com
surfaces of up to 350 °C (662 °F). The Steer-

ROVER uses Evident’s RECON camera kit for
remote operation and validation capabilities. Ad-
Replicated Freeform Mirrors ditionally, the low-latency Ethernet connection,
Newport Replicated Freeform Mirrors from HD video, and LED illumination enable real-time
MKS Instruments are nonrotationally sym- monitoring of scanning progress and surface
metric reflective mirrors that are designed for conditions, even in low-light environments.
use in analytical instruments, imaging systems, kristopher.lee@evidentscientific.com
laser tracking, and communications applica-
tions. Removing the optical design constraint
of rotational symmetry, the mirrors use optical Laser Spectrometer
replication technology, which centers around The TDLS8220 from Yokogawa Corporation
creating nearly identical copies. The mirrors of America is an extractive tunable diode laser
have a spectral range of 200 nm to 15 µm and spectrometer for extractive oxygen measure-
the reflective surfaces can be bare aluminum, ments where in-situ or probe-type installations
bare gold, or protected aluminum. are not applicable. The laser module and
sales@newport.com detector module of the spectrometer are
encompassed in one board set and the auto
gain function automatically optimizes detection
sensitivity during dynamic process events. The
TDLS8220 does not require consumables and
features noncontact measurement and solid-
state technology that eliminates the need for
routine calibration.
yca-tmi@yokogawa.com
Direct Time-of-Flight Lidar Device

The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is a
direct 3D lidar device that is suitable for applica-
Joulemeter tions such as VR or simultaneous localization
The IS50A-1KW-RMT from Gentec-EO is and mapping. With a resolution of up to 2.3k
a high-power joulemeter for laser energy zones, the device integrates dual-scan flood
measurement of up to 1-kW average power. illumination that allows the lidar to detect
Designed to meet the requirements of high small objects and edges and capture both 2D
average power laser users in optics laboratories, infrared images and depth map information.
materials research, optics manufacturing, the The VL53L9’s suite of features supports macro
medical industry, the semiconductor industry, up to telephoto photography and enables laser
and the aerospace industry, the joulemeter uses autofocus, bokeh, and cinematic effects for still
a resistant coating with damage thresholds of and video at 60 fps. Additionally, the device de-
5 kW/cm2 and 400 mJ/cm2. The IS50A-1KW- livers ranging from 5 cm to 10 m and comes as a Erbium Fiber Laser
RMT detectors have a NIST-traceable calibra- ready-to-use low-power module with its on-chip The ELMO 780 XHP from Menlo Systems is
tion for their entire calibrated spectral range, direct time-of-flight processing. a high-power, industry-grade femtosecond
which ensures that the instruments’ measure- info@st.com erbium fiber laser that can be used in applica-
ments are reliable and accurate whether they tions such as multiphoton microscopy and 3D
are taken inside or outside. Laser Interferometer nano printing. Delivering >1 W of average output
info@gentec-eo.com The Qualifire from Zygo Corporation is a laser power at 780 nm, the laser has pulse durations
interferometer designed to support metrology at the 100-fs level. The ELMO 780 XHP also
Corrosion and Weld Scanners applications in industries such as semiconduc- features integrated dispersion pre-compensa-
The MapROVER and SteerROVER from Evident tor, lithography, space-borne imaging systems, tion of up to −30 sq fs; this ensures delivery of
Corporation are phased array inspection cutting-edge consumer electronics, and the short pulse durations via optical fiber
solutions for weld and corrosion inspections. defense. The interferometer can recognize any directly to the target location. The fully integrat-
The MapROVER includes an electronic cooling smart accessory installed and automatically ed fast amplitude modulation allows for efficient
system with liquid-fueled cooling plates and apply a system error file and perform lateral adaptation of the optical power.
enables fast, efficient corrosion mapping on calibration. The Qualifire also features a stable sales@menlosystems.com
524NewProducts.indd 61 4/19/2024 3:01:25 PM

FIBER OPTICS
FOR QUANTUM
Product
High-tech building blocks for
News
quantum optics, quantum information
and ultracold quantum gases
Fiber
Couplers
PCF Fiber
Cables
a 2.2-µm pixel size and 400 × 400 pixel array,

and a 1.64- × 1.64- × 2.2-mm form factor.
Green Laser contact@nilt.com
Lumispot Tech’s green laser is a fiber-coupled
Fiber Port
525-nm laser made for applications includ-
Clusters
ing fluorescence excitation, spectral analysis,
photoelectric detection, and laser display.
Operational at a wavelength of 525 nm, with a
wavelength deviation of <5 nm, the green laser
has an array of output power options including
2 W, 4 W, 10 W, 25 W, and 50 W with reliable
spot uniformity and heat dissipation.
sales@lumispot.cn
LASERS FOR MACHINE
VISION
3D Measuring Device
The FocusX from Bruker Alicona is an optical
3D measuring device meant for applications in
which highly reflective surfaces, steep flanks,
and complex forms must be measured. FocusX
LASM − LARGE AREA Microscope Optics
can measure small radii, acute angles, and tight
tolerances, and is ISO-compliant and works on
SCAN MACROSCOPE MO2X microscope optics from Optris GmbH Real3D and vertical surface probing. The device
are 2× magnification optics meant for use with can capture 4.6 million points in one measure-
High resolution scanner system. High Optris’ PI 640i infrared camera. Able to capture ment with an image field of up to 500 million
resolution imaging of e.g. ice core samples infrared images of complex structures, the and has a positioning volume of 100 × 100 ×
optics use 4 × 4 pixels, allowing objects with a 100 mm.
size of only 34 µm to be measured. The MO2X sales.alicona@bruker.com
Resolution 5 µm, optics can work at a thermal resolution of 80
5080 dpi mK and their focus allows for the user to work
at a distance of 0.59 in. from the object being
measured.
sales@optris.com
Eye-Tracking Metalens Camera

The metaEye from NIL Technology is an ultra-
compact metalens-based camera with applica-
tions for eye-tracking, smart locks, biometrics,
simultaneous localization and mapping, and
ubiquitous sensing. The camera’s lens stack
consists of meta-surfaces, apertures, antireflec-
tion coatings, and a bandpass filter integrated PIN Photodiode
into a single cube, which can be bonded directly The VEMD2704 from Vishay Intertechnology
to the cover glass of the image sensor. Along is a silicon PIN photodiode that can be used
with a total track length of 1.7 mm, the metaEye with green LEDs for optical heart rate detection
www.sukhamburg.com features 850-nm LED illumination, a sensor with and red LEDs for pulse oximetry applications.
Schäfter+Kirchhoff develop and manu-

facture laser sources, line scan camera
systems and fiber optic products for
worldwide distribution and use. www.photonics.com

Coming in a 2- × 1.8- × 0.6-mm surface-mount from onsemi’s Hyperlux LP family for the NVIDIA images having a higher signal-to-noise ratio and
package, the photodiode provides fast switch- Jetson Orin platform. It can be used for applica- a longer detection distance.
ing times of 70 ns and low capacitance of 17.6 tions including drones, whole slide imaging, sales@lightpath.com
pF for precise signal detection. The VEMD2704 optical character recognition, inventory scan-
can detect visible and near-infrared radiation ning, and digital twin. The multi-camera has
from 350 to 1100 nm with a radiant-sensitive flexible interface options spanning MIPI, GMSL,
area measuring 1.51 × 1.51 mm, a high radiant and USB, along with an optional IP67 enclosure
sensitivity with a reverse light current of 1.17 µA, for the GMSL version. The e-CAM200 CUOAGX
and a dark current of 0.03 nA. has a resolution of 20 MP at 30 fps, a shutter
business-americas@vishay.com efficiency enhancement with global reset
release, and low-light capabilities of <5 lux with
a 60% quantum efficiency in the near-infrared
spectrum.
sales@e-consystems.com
Time-of-Flight Distance Sensors

The ODT3CL1-2M from Leuze Electronic is
Long-Range IR Camera a laser diffuse sensor that uses time-of-flight
The long-range model of the Mantis camera technology to measure distances in applications
systems from LightPath Technologies uses such as automated guided vehicles for monitor-
LightPath’s BlackDiamond infrared materials to ing the position of goods, controlling robot grip-
create a camera system with high magnifica- pers, and in quality control. With an operating
tion that is color-corrected for both MIR and distance of 2 m, the sensor uses an input/output
High-Resolution Multi-Camera LWIR. The Mantis camera can capture the entire link to transmit measurement values and pro-
The e-CAM200 CUOAGX from e-con Systems infrared signature, resulting in a much brighter cess data to the machine control, which allows
is a multi-camera based on the AR2020 sensor image of the object of interest with the resulting users to evaluate comprehensive diagnostic

Product
News
data from the diffuse sensor. The ODT3CL1-2M modular toolscopes. With a robust aluminum
is IP69K rated and features a compact form construction for durability, the LED uses 360°
factor of 11.4 × 34.2 × 18.3 mm. flicker and shadow-free illumination to provide
info@leuze.de consistent lighting while eliminating obstructive
shadows and eye strain during extended use.
The Model TR.L1 also features an integrated
brightness controller with adjustable brightness
and an on-board memory function as well as a
24-V DC 1A output power, universal power input,
and global plug compatibility.
info@titantoolsupply.com
standard-size filters with a 10-mm clear aper-

ture.
ihsinquiry@idexcorp.com
Surface Plasmon Resonance System

The Triceratops SPR #64 from Bruker is a
surface plasmon resonance instrument for
real-time, label-free biophysical characteriza-
3D AOI System tion of molecular interactions in drug discovery.
The TR7700QH SII Series from Test Research Via the perpendicular rotation of the 8-channel
Inc. is a high-speed 3D automated optical flow cell, the system facilitates the simultaneous
inspection (AOI) system for metrology measure- reading of 64 sensor spots, allowing it to accel-
ment applications. Using a stop-and-go imaging erate screening, kinetics, epitope characteriza-
method, the system can inspect at speeds of up tion, condition scouting, concentration analysis,
to 80 cm²/s and runs on AI-powered algorithms and thermodynamics. The access and visual
with smart programming. The TR7700QH SII controls of the Triceratops SPR #64 are facilitat-
Series features a maximum 3D range of 40 mm, Microspectrometers ed through a built-in touchscreen and includes
an image resolution of 15 µm, a 21-MP high- The Lightblades spectrometers from CRAIC automation features, such as integration of any
speed camera, and multiphase true color LED Technologies are specifically designed for external robot. The Triceratops SPR #64 also
lighting. microspectroscopy in research, industrial, and offers direct control via its application program-
marketing@tri.com.tw academic applications. Covering ultraviolet, ming interface.
visible, and near-infrared spectral regions, the info.bopt.us@bruker.com
microspectrometers use high-resolution optics,
which offer spectral resolution and enable users
to resolve fine spectral features. The Light-
blades spectrometers feature detectors and
signal processing algorithms for high sensitivity
and low noise, CRAIC’s Lambdafire spectros-
copy software, and a modular design.
sales@microspectra.com
Bandpass Optical Filters

Semrock Nanopede optical filters from IDEX
Health & Science cover the near-UV and visible
spectrum in 20-nm full-width at half-maximum
steps. Developed for applications in spectral
flow cytometry, the filters provide coverage of Dual-Band Optical Fiber
the spectrum in discrete steps using uniform The LaserWave Dual-Band OM4+ Multimode
Industrial Microscopy LED Ring specifications. The filters feature a >5 optical Optical Fiber from OFS is fiber-optimized for
The Model TR.L1 from Titan Tool Supply Inc. is density blocking from 330 to 900 nm, hard bidirectional applications. The optical fiber
a specialized 16-LED ring illuminator designed coatings for consistent performance without offers OM5-equivalent performance at the
for industrial microscopy applications, including degradation, and availability in 12.5-mm housed 850-nm and 910-nm wavelengths and can be

used for bidirectional transmission to maintain Tbps/mm beachfront density. The LightBundle
100-m reach for terabit bidirectional Ethernet chiplets are compatible with standard multichip
applications, including 800G-SR4.2 and packaging and support a wide range of die-to-
1.6T-SR8.2. The LaserWave Dual-Band OM4+ die interfaces, including standard and advanced
is fully backward compatible with OM4 stan- versions of UCIe and BOW.
dards and applications. info@avicena.tech
ofs@ofsoptics.com
Chip-on-Board Lights
The CTM-18 and CTM-22 from Luminus
Devices are tunable chip-on-board (COB) lights
that use color combination ranges from 6500K
to 2700K, 4000K to 1800K, and high melanopic
5000K Salud to 2200K. The COBs come in five
different light-emitting surface diameters from
6 to 22 mm and use two independent channels,
offering warm and cool white with >90 color
rendering index. The CTM-18 and CTM-22
also feature the ability to achieve system beam
angles ranging from 10° to 40° using standard
secondary optics.
sales@luminus.com
steel-cutting requirements. Optimized for
Chiplet Interconnect CO2 Focusing Lenses 10.6 µm and offered in plano-convex and
The LightBundle from Avicena is a scalable The ZnSe laser focusing lenses from Laser meniscus configurations, the ZnSe laser focus-
chiplet interconnect for extending high band- Research Optics were created to cut thick ing lenses are suited for 200 W to 4 kW CO2
width memory modules and die-to-die con- diamond plates and other heavy steel fabrica- cutting lasers and come in a standard antire-
nections from GPUs. The chiplets can extend tions. The lenses come in 1- to 2.5-in. optical flection coating and a Laser Research Optics
connections up to 10 m and dissipate <1 pJ/ density sizes with focal lengths between 5 and Cool-Cut coating.
bit for optical interconnects and support multi- 10 in. in 0.5-in. increments to match specific sales@laserresearch.net
Newport™ Fiber Optic

De-Speckler
Supplier of high precision

Newport fiber optic de-specklers eliminate modal
optical coatings for more interferences for cw to modulation up to 10 kHz, with no
optical loss. This small, integrated system is essential for
than 60 years. applications where a homogeneous laser output is ideal. The
de-specklers with square core fiber are particularly suitable
for imaging as they generate a flat-top beam.
• Square and round core fiber versions available
• Quiet performance: 50-60 dB at 10 cm away
• Plug-and-play implementation into a fiber optic system
For more information visit www.newport.com or call 877-835-9620

Contact us to see the difference.
www.evaporatedcoatings.com | sales@evapcoat.com

Industry
Events
MAY PAPERS  Laser Additive Manufacturing

CLEO 2024 Neuroscience 2024 (LAM) Workshop
(May 5-10) Charlotte, N.C. (Oct. 5-9) Chicago. (July 15-17) Dayton, Ohio.
Contact CLEO, +1 800-766-4672, Deadline: Abstracts, May 7 Contact the Laser Institute, +1 407-380-1553,
info@cleoconference.org; www.cleoconference. Contact Society for Neuroscience, +1 202-962- info@lam.ngo; www.lam.ngo/.
org/home/about-cleo/contact-us/. 4000, meetings@sfn.org; www.sfn.org/
meetings/neuroscience-2024/general-
Optica Sensing Congress
 Automate 2024 (July 15-19) Toulouse, France.
information/dates-and-deadlines.
(May 6-9) Chicago. Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130,
Contact Association for Advancing Automation Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science info@optica.org; www.optica.org/events/
(A3), +1 734-994-6088, info@automateshow. 2024 (FiO LS) congress/optical_sensors_and_sensing_
com; www.automateshow.com. (Sept. 23-26) Denver. congress/.
Deadline: Abstracts, May 21
 SID Display Week Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130, Vision Spectra Conference 2024
(May 12-17) San Jose, Calif. custserv@optica.org; www.frontiersinoptics. (July 16-18) Virtual.
Contact Sam Tola (Conference Coordinator), com/home. Contact Photonics Media, +1 413-499-0514,
+1 914-486-3069, stola@pcm411.com; conference@photonics.com; www.photonics.
www.displayweek.org/2024/Exhibitor-Sponsor. Cell Bio com/vsc2024.
(Dec. 14-18) San Diego.
 Optatec Deadline: Abstracts, Aug. 6 Microscopy & Microanalysis
(May 14-16) Frankfurt, Germany. Contact ASCB, +1 301-347-9300, (July 28-Aug. 1) Cleveland.
Contact P.E. Schall, +49 (0)7025-9206-0, info@ascb.org; www.ascb.org/cellbio2024/. Contact the Microscopy Society of America,
info@schall-messen.de; www.optatec-messe. +1 703-234-4115, associationmanagement@
de/en/. microscopy.org; https://mmconference.
microscopy.org/.
 AutoSens USA
(May 21-23) Detroit. Contact SPIE, +1 360-676-3290, Optica Advanced Photonics
Contact AutoSens, +44 (0)208-133-5116, customerservice@spie.org; www.spie.org/ Congress
info@sense-media.com; www.auto-sens.com/ conferences-and-exhibitions/astronomical- (July 28-Aug. 1) Québec City.
events/detroit/. telescopes-and-instrumentation?utm_id. Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130,
info@optica.org; www.optica.org/events/
 Embedded Vision Summit  UKIVA Machine Vision congress/advanced_photonics_congress/.
(May 21-23) Santa Clara, Calif. Conference
Contact Embedded Vision Summit; (June 18-19) Coventry, England.
www.embeddedvisionsummit.com/. Contact PPMA, +44 (0)20-8773-8111, AUGUST
mvcbookings@ppma.co.uk; www.machine  SPIE Optics + Photonics
 Photonics North visionconference.co.uk/. (Aug. 18-22) San Diego.
(May 28-30) Vancouver, British Columbia. Contact SPIE, +1 360-676-3290,
Contact Conferium, +1 418-522-8182, pn.info@  Optica Quantum 2.0 customerservice@spie.org; www.spie.org/
conferium.com; www.photonicsnorth.com. Conference and Exhibition conferences-and-exhibitions/optics-and-
(June 23-27) Rotterdam, Netherlands. photonics?SSO=1.
Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130,
JUNE info@optica.org; www.optica.org/events/
 SENSOR + TEST topical_meetings/quantum/. SEPTEMBER
(June 11-13) Nuremberg, Germany.  World Molecular Imaging
Contact AMA, +49 (0)5033-9639-0,  Sensors Converge Conference
info@ama-service.com; www.sensor-test.de/en/ (June 24-26) Santa Clara, Calif. (Sept. 9-13) Montréal.
conference-2/. Contact Questex, info@sensorsconverge.com; Contact World Molecular Imaging Society,
www.sensorsconverge.com/. +1 310-215-9730, wmis@wmis.org;
 EMVA Business Conference www.wmis.org/wmic-2024-about/.
(June 13-15) Gdansk, Poland.
Contact European Machine Vision Association, JULY  CIOE
+34 93-220-7201, info@emva.org;  SEMICON West & FLEX (Sept. 11-13) Shenzhen, China.
https://bc-2024.emva.b2match.io/. (July 9-11) San Francisco. Contact China International Optoelectronic
Contact Semi Global Headquarters, Exposition, +86 755-8629-0901,
 SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + +1 408-943-6900, semiconwest@semi.org; cioe@cioe.cn; www.cioe.cn/en.
Instrumentation www.semiconwest.org/about/welcome.
(June 16-21) Yokohama, Japan.
 Indicates shows Photonics Media will be attending.

66 Photonics Spectra May 2024 Complete listings at www.photonics.com/calendar. www.photonics.com
Submit your event online at www.photonics.com/eventsubmit.
524IndustryEvents.indd 66 4/22/2024 11:52:23 AM

ECOC 2024  AutoSens Europe SCIX
(Sept. 22-26) Frankfurt, Germany. (Oct. 8-10) Barcelona, Spain. (Oct. 20-25) Raleigh, N.C.
Contact VDE, +49 69-63080, Contact Sense Media, +44 (0)208-133-5116, Contact FACSS, +1 856-224-4266;
ecoc2024@vde.com; www.ecoc2024.org. info@sense-media.com; www.auto-sens.com/ www.scixconference.org/.
europe/.
 Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science SPIE PHOTONEX
(Sept. 23-26) Denver.  VISION (Oct. 30-31) Manchester, England.
Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130, (Oct. 8-10) Stuttgart, Germany. Contact SPIE, +1 360-676-3290,
custserv@optica.org; www.frontiersinoptics. Contact Landesmesse Stuttgart GmbH, customerservice@spie.org; www.spie.org/
com/home/. +49 711-18560-0, info@messe-stuttgart.de; conferences-and-exhibitions/photonex.
www.messe-stuttgart.de/vision/en/.
BIOMEDevice
(Sept. 25-26) Boston. FABTECH NOVEMBER
Contact Informa, +1 310-445-4273, (Oct. 15-17) Orlando, Fla.  ICALEO
registration.ime@informa.com; Contact SME, +1 313-425-3000, (Nov. 4-7) Hollywood, Calif.
www.biomedboston.com/en/home.html. information@fabtechexpo.com; Contact the Laser Institute of America,
www.fabtechexpo.com. +1 407-380-1553; www.icaleo.org/.
OCTOBER  Optica Laser Congress and

Neuroscience Exhibition DECEMBER
(Oct. 5-9) Chicago. (Oct. 20-24) Osaka, Japan. Cell Bio
Contact the Society for Neuroscience, Contact Optica, +1 202-223-8130, (Dec. 14-18) San Diego.
+1 202-962-4000, meetings@sfn.org; info@optica.org; www.optica.org/events/ Contact ASCB, +1 301-347-9300,
www.sfn.org/meetings/neuroscience-2024. congress/laser_congress. info@ascb.org; www.ascb.org/cellbio2024/.
18–22 August 2024

San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, California, USA
THE LEADING MULTIDISCIPLINARY OPTICAL

SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY MEETING
Make plans to attend this annual event and
join leading researchers and scientists as they
contribute to advancements in optical engineering,
nanotechnology, quantum science, and organic
photonics.
Meet face-to-face with top companies at the 3-day
exhibition to discuss your optics and photonics needs
with suppliers. Industry partners will be there to help NEW PRODUCTS
solve problems, cut costs, and increase capabilities.
We look forward to seeing you in San Diego.
• PowerFiber Connector
High Power Mating
• ESCC 3420 Space Connector
Lightweight Titanium
805.644.5051 | sales@coastalcon.com
COASTALCON.COM
spie.org/op
524IndustryEvents.indd 67 4/22/2024 11:46:07 AM

PHOTONICS SHOWCASE
TECHSPEC® Sapphire Windows Calibrated QTH Light Sources
TECHSPEC Sapphire Windows are
®
NIST traceable Calibrated
manufactured from single-crystal Quartz Tungsten Halogen Light
sapphire, making them ideal for Sources are a convenient and
demanding applications (such as cost-effective method for
laser systems) because of their cross-calibrating other lamps or
extreme surface hardness, high to irradiate a sample under test
thermal conductivity, high dielectric with a known power density.
constant, and resistance to common Three output lamp options
chemical acids and alkalis. Sapphire (45W, 200W, and 1000W) are
windows can be made much thinner available to meet a wide variety
than other common windows with of irradiance intensity require-
improved transmittance due to their ments, including a highly regulated, high stability power supply for a
structural strength. smooth broadband wavelength range from 250 to 2400 nm
Edmund Optics (800) 363-1992 MKS | Newport (877) 835-9620
techsup@edmundoptics.com www.edmundoptics.com sales@newport.com www.newport.com/f/calibrated-sources
Beam Launchers for Quantum Handheld Optical Spectrometers

Schäfter+Kirchhoff offers a new se- OZ Optics offers a
ries of beam launchers — customized handheld optical spec-
optical systems — for collimation and trometer for ultraviolet to
combination of fiber-guided radia- near-infrared wavelengths.
tion from multiple laser systems, that The design features a
are compact, modular and long-term special transmission grat-
stable — ideal for launching tailored ing and custom coatings
laser beams to the desired target. for exceptional sensitivity
The variety of functions that can and signal-to-noise ratios.
be integrated makes them ideal for A touchscreen display and
quantum applications. intuitive user interface pro-
vide ease of use, while a USB interface enables detailed computer
Schäfter+Kirchhoff GmbH 040-853 997-0 analysis. An OEM version is offered for custom applications.
info@sukhamburg.com www.sukhamburg.com
OZ Optics Ltd. (613) 831-0981
sales@ozoptics.com www.ozoptics.com
PowerFiber and 3420 Connectors SIRRUS™ PVD Platform

PowerFiber Connectors (PFC) are Alluxa’s innovative, next-
designed for mating high-power generation SIRRUS™
assemblies with an expanded beam plasma physical vapor
to increase power handling. Available deposition (PVD) platform
in FC, E-2000, and 3420 Connector offers full spectral coverage
formats. The 3420 Space Connector from ultraviolet (200 μm)
meets the ESCC 3420 standard and is to infrared (14 μm). The
designed to survive vibration, shock, proprietary process enables
and thermal cycling in space. Suitable optical filters with the
for single-mode and multimode fibers steepest edges, highest
up to 400μm OD. transmission, and deepest
blocking available while maintaining high performance, precision
Coastal Connections wavelength control, and extremely uniform coatings.
(805) 644-5051
sales@coastalcon.com Alluxa Inc. (855) 425-5862
www.coastalcon.com info@alluxa.com www.alluxa.com
Fast. Custom. Lenses. Meet Stretto

Rainbow Research Optics DRS Daylight Solutions introduces
specializes in high-precision Stretto, a family of high-precision tun-
custom glass and IR lenses able lasers. Designed to enable quan-
for critical applications in tum information science applications,
the defense, life science, Stretto provides wavelengths from
and industrial markets. Full UV to infrared, maintaining a common
in-house capabilities includ- footprint and interface. This simplicity
ing fabrication and VIS/ facilitates transition from laboratory
MWIR thin-film coatings for experiments to OEM integration with-
fast delivery and high levels out redesign. Leveraging Daylight’s
for service. Materials include all glass, CaF2, Si, Ge, ZnSe, and ZnS. military ruggedized designs, Stretto
Made in U.S., ITAR registered, and ISO certified. provides performance-at-scale, enabling our customers to succeed
in what’s next.
Rainbow Research Optics (303) 371-3000
sales@rr-optics.com www.rr-optics.com DRS Daylight Solutions (858) 432-7500
dls-info@drs.com www.daylightsolutions.com
524PRS.indd 68 4/17/2024 1:45:48 PM

PHOTONICS SHOWCASE
Neo High-End Spectrometer High-Quality Optical Coatings
Admesy’s new Evaporated Coatings Inc. is a
Neo Series offers professional and experienced
a versatile solution resource for your Thin-Film
for different spectral Optical Coating requirements.
measurement needs, ECI has been supplying high-
fit for a wide array of precision optical coatings for
applications. Its more than 60 years — from
well-thought-out minute biomedical and fiber
optical and mechanical construction assures the highest optical optic components to defense
performance, even under tough conditions. Creating an OEM and aerospace optics. ECI
solution? Integrating spectral measurements into your production manufactures optical coatings for glass, plastic, molded polymer
testing? Needing spectrometer answering to the highest expecta- optics, fiber optic devices, LED lighting components, crystals, and
tions for development applications? Neo is your choice. semiconductor materials.
Admesy BV +31 475-600232 Evaporated Coatings Inc. (215) 659-3080
info@admesy.com www.admesy.com sales@evapcoat.com www.evaporatedcoatings.com
TrueLase™ Yb Gain Fibers Laser Safety Glasses

The TrueLase Series of Ytterbium
™
HHV AT’s innovative multilayer
doped Gain Optical Fiber was thin-film coated Laser Safety
designed to meet the ever- Glasses protect users from Class
increasing market demand for 3B And Class 4 harmful lasers.
higher-power multi-kilowatt fiber High optical densities up to OD7+
lasers and engineered for optimal for enhanced laser protection.
compatibility with cost-effective All of the laser-coated glasses
laser diodes, maximizing the are EN208 compliant. Coatings
optical-to-optical pump conversion can be done on BOROFLOAT-33
efficiency. With zero loss at kilowatt and optical filter glass from 400-
power levels and superior coating to 1100-nm wavelength range.
quality, it allows reliable long-term operation that is required in Customized shapes of glasses
industrial manufacturing. can be done.
OFS (732) 748-7451 HHV Advanced Technologies Pvt. Ltd. +91 80-67003700
pfamilletti@ofsoptics.com www.ofsoptics.com infotfod@hhvadvancedtech.com www.hhvadvancedtech.com
Diamond Turning: Exotic IR Optics Liquid Light Guides

Reynard Corporation has in-house Liquid Light Guides are flexible,
diamond turning capabilities to fabricate unbreakable, and very durable, and
optical elements with high accuracy and they have significantly better trans-
a focus on IR, exotic, and III-V crystal mission, more homogeneous
materials. Aspheric, axicon, cylindrical, illumination, and a larger aperture
spherical, & freeform geometries as well than fiber bundles at lower costs!
as reverse axicons with 360-degree They are the perfect solutions
windows are customized to unique for applications that demand
applications. DPT techniques used uniform, high-intensity light. We
include axis-symmetric grinding, rotary offer four different series desig-
B-axis grinding, polygon flycutting & ned for diverse spectra ranging
spiral milling. ISO 9001:2015 from ultraviolet to infrared and a
broad selection of end fittings.
Reynard Corporation (949) 366-8866
sales@reynardcorp.com www.reynardcorp.com Lumatec GmbH +49 89-742822-0
sales@lumatec.de www.lumatec.de
QS-PLL® AFM Controller High-Precision OEM Optical Systems

Meopta is a leader in developing,
manufacturing, and assembling
optical, optomechanical, and
optoelectronic systems. We
design, produce, and measure
systems, submodules, and
The QS-PLL® AFM controller is designed for use with AFM resonant components. We are fully
probes. High sensitivity resonant probes are ideal for applications supported by optical, mecha-
such as scanning nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry and quantum nical, thin-layer, electronic, and
sensing. The QS-PLL® combined with Mad City Labs microposition- industrial design for all types
ers and precision closed loop nanopositioners makes it possible to of customized production. We cover the whole chain from design to
build customizable, high-sensitivity scanning probe microscopes. prototyping to serial production for build-to-spec or build-to-print
Lead times < 60 days. requirements.
Mad City Labs Inc. (608) 298-0855 Meopta-optika, s.r.o. +420 581-241-111
sales@madcitylabs.com www.madcitylabs.com/qspll.html meopta@meopta.com www.meopta.com
524PRS.indd 69 4/17/2024 1:45:51 PM

PHOTONICS SHOWCASE
High Performance Fiber Collimators 872 Series Laser Wavelength Meter
These high performance
Fiber Collimators are
diffraction limited and
available from 240nm to
2300nm. Adjustable focus
allows for laser optimi-
zation. Ideal for Atomic The 872 Series High-Resolution Laser Wavelength Meter is ideal
physics, Optical trapping, for the frequency stabilization of lasers. Offering a frequency
Quantum optics, Lidar, resolution as high as 200 kHz, the 872 Series provides exceptional
Analytical instruments, Metrology and more. Customization for harsh sensitivity to wavelength deviations. With a built-in PID controller
environments, different beam sizes, additional optics or housing and 1 kHz sustained measurement rate, the 872 Series is well suited
requirements are common. Optical design and fabrication are done to precisely stabilize lasers used in applications such as atomic
in house for complete control. cooling and trapping.
Micro Laser Systems, Inc. (714) 898-6001 Bristol Instruments Inc. (585) 924-2620
info@microlaser.com www.microlaser.com info@bristol-inst.com www.bristol-inst.com
Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation Multi-Bandpass Optical Filters

COMSOL Multiphysics® is a software Multi-Bandpass Filters are spectrally
environment for creating physics-based selective components that transmit
models and standalone simulation apps. two or more distinct wavelength
Add-on products provide specialized bands while blocking others. The
functionality for electromagnetics, filters can significantly simplify bio-
structural, acoustics, fluid flow, heat photonics instruments for detection
transfer, and chemical simulations. of multiple fluorophores. The filters
Interfacing products offer a unified are fully customizable and offer high
workflow with all major technical transmission in pass band, deep
computing and CAD tools. COMSOL blocking in stop-bands, and steep
Compiler™ and COMSOL Server™ are transitions due to our advanced
used for deploying simulation applications to colleagues and magnetron sputtering technology.
customers.
Delta Optical Thin Film +45 70707146
COMSOL Inc. (781) 273-3322 info@deltaopticalthinfilm.com www.deltaopticalthinfilm.com
info@comsol.com www.comsol.com/products
Norland Optical Splice FIREFLY3D 3-Axis Laser Scan Head

Novanta’s latest generation of high-
performance laser beam steering
solutions with features designed spe-
cifically for LPBF machines. Compact
and fully enclosed with an IP65 rated
Norland’s optical splice provides a high-performance connection for optical enclosure and flexible laser
optic fibers in a unique one-piece design. coupling solutions to simplify machine
integration. Combined with Novanta
Norland Products Inc. (609) 395-1966 SMC/SMD controller/software package
info@norlandproducts.com www.norlandproducts.com creates a unique, industry leading eco-
system dedicated to maximizing output
with extreme processing detail.
Novanta Photonics (781) 266-5700
photonics@novanta.com www.novantaphotonics.com
ArmD™ Specialty Optical Fibers Spectrum of Optical Solutions

Armadillo SIA ArmD™ Specialty Holographix™, now part of Headwall®,
Optical Fiber line excels in makes cost-effective, high-quality cus-
spectral transmission across tom microlens arrays for aerospace,
an extensive range from automotive, medical, and consumer
180nm to 18,000nm, featur- electronic apps. Double-sided
ing minimal optical losses and MLAs with micron-level alignment,
exceptional coupling effi- thickness control, and aperture
ciency. Available with numeri- coatings. AR- and mirror-coating
cal apertures spanning 0.06 to options available. We meet the most
0.57 and core diameters from demanding solder-reflow and
40 to 2000 µm, these fibers are environmental specs.
customizable and offer unparalleled versatility.
Holographix LLC
Armadillo SIA (408) 900-8883 info@holographix.com
info@armadillosia.com www.armadillosia.com (978) 562-4474
www.holographix.com
524PRS.indd 70 4/17/2024 1:45:53 PM

PHOTONICS SHOWCASE
Multi-Element X-Ray Photodiodes Laser Power Meter for Tight Spaces
OSI Multi-element X-Ray series consists Need to measure high power lasers in
of 16-element arrays. The individual confined, humid, or dusty environments?
elements are grouped together and Ophir ® Ariel is an ultra-compact laser
mounted on PCB for X-ray or Gamma-ray power meter for measuring high power
application. These multi-channel detec- industrial lasers up to 8KW. Designed for
tors offer scintillator-mounting options use in additive manufacturing, metal
such as BGO, CdWO4 or CsI(TI). cutting, and welding, the Ariel power
Visit our site for further information. meter is a robust, battery-powered
device that requires no water or fan
OSI Optoelectronics cooling and is small enough to fit in
(310) 978-0516 the palm of your hand.
sales@osioptoelectronics.com
www.osioptoelectronics. MKS Ophir
info/x-ray-array 435-753-3729
sales.ophir.usa@mksinst.com
tinyurl.com/548jrc7e
CricketTM2 Image Intensifier Adapter 450nm Blue Diode Laser

The Cricket™² is a plug & play The 450nm diode laser
image intensifier camera attachment emits up to 200W from
enabling low-light or single photon a single fiber with a core
imaging functionality and extremely diameter as small as
high shutter speeds for every 100µm. The diode module
CCD or CMOS camera. Equipped comes with hermetically
with industrial-leading Photonis sealed package, water
Image Intensifier technology, and cooling baseplate and
recognized for best value, Cricket™² a high-power SMA con-
sets an unmatched standard for nector. Thermistor and photodiode are integrated in the package.
connectivity with scientific micro- To drive the diode an appropriate power supply is available. 450nm
scopes and cameras. laser is an idea light source for processing non-ferrous metals such
as gold, copper and copper alloys.
Photonis Netherlands BV +31 50 501 8808
scientificdetectors@exosens.com www.exosens.com PhotonTec Berlin GmbH +49-30-83409380
info@photontec-berlin.com www.photontec-berlin.com
PowerPhotonic Trident Generator 20× Microscope Lens

Experience improved quality process, A powerful optical com-
increased throughput and reduced ponent for ultra-high-
costs with a Trident Generator. It trans- resolution imaging of mi-
forms a single mode beam into small cron-scale display pixels
ring + core at the focus of a focusing and subpixels, Radiant’s
lens. This optic has a precision free- 20× Microscope Lens
form surface and can be integrated into enables high-resolution
existing laser systems. In remote weld- imaging of extremely
ing, it can be used to control the melt small components and
pool, while keeping the keyhole intact. features. Providing 20×
This leads to a less viscous melt pool, magnification, this applies a greater number of image sensor pixels
reducing porosity of the weld. per display pixel or component feature for fine-detail measurement.
PowerPhotonic Ltd +441383825910 Radiant Vision Systems (425) 844-0152
sales@powerphotonic.com www.powerphotonic.com info@radiantvs.com ow.ly/usmo50R5ayY
The NYFORS SMARTSPLICER High-Quality Laser Welding

The NYFORS SMARTSPLICER offers Do you plan to upgrade your laser
CO2 laser glass-processing capabili- welding production? Then get to know
ties designed to produce high-power our AXIALSCAN FIBER RD-30! Its pre-
and sensitive photonic components focusing optics cover large workpieces
and complex structures. It offers at high laser power, while an integrated
contamination-free fiber array splicing, fiber-coupling ensures a smooth integra-
ball lensing, end-capping, and many tion. Together with our RAYSPECTOR
other challenging processes. NYFORS in-focus observation, the ASF RD-30
also provides automated high-precision offers reliable and precise in-process
solutions for fiber preparation, such as monitoring and ensures your production
stripping, cleaving, recoating, and end-face analyzing. NYFORS also quality even for complex applications.
offers custom workcell automation solutions.
RAYLASE GmbH
NYFORS +46 8712-1021 +49 8153-9999-699
sales@nyfors.com www.nyfors.com sales@raylase.de
www.raylase.de/en
524PRS.indd 71 4/17/2024 1:45:55 PM

PHOTONICS SHOWCASE
Wafer-Level Optics World’s Broadest Tunable Laser
Wafer-level optics solutions from The SuperK CHROMATUNE
origination and nano-imprinting to as- fiber laser gives you a gap-
sembly. Using advanced lithography free tuning from 400 to 1000
and other manufacturing processes, a nm. The CHROMATUNE has
wide variety of micro/nano structures excellent reliability and a
are created according to customers’ lifetime of thousands of
desires in applications including refrac- hours. It requires no
tive/diffractive optics, imaging optics, maintenance or service,
freeform optics, and many more. Break no alignment or adjustments.
through current design rules using You can trust it to run 24/7.
Himax IGI’s design, mastering, and Finally, a laser that is easy to use and lets you focus on your work.
fabrication services.
NKT Photonics +45 4348-3900
Himax IGI Precision Ltd. (612) 721-6283 sales@nktphotonics.com www.nktphotonics.com
sales@himaxigi.com www.himaxigi.com
Optimal Laser Process Control Industrial Laser Monitoring System

SCANmotionControl, the recently DataRay’s Industrial Laser
launched control software, allows Monitoring System (ILMS)
synchronizing scan system, laser, is an innovative solu-
and peripheral equipment. Thanks tion for profiling tightly
to the offline simulation of the focused, high-power
trajectories, the process developer beams; using a beam
gets full control over the energy profiling camera paired
input at any position on the work- with optics tailored to
piece and can examine and optimize customers’ unique applications, the ILMS’s modularity provides a
beforehand on the computer. This high degree of customization and capability, all while displaying your
makes job planning simpler and reduces process development beam profiles in DataRay’s powerful, familiar, full-featured software.
times significantly.
DataRay Inc. (530) 395-2500
SCANLAB GmbH +49 89-8007460 sales@dataray.com www.dataray.com
info@scanlab.de www.scanlab.com
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Tell our advertisers you found them in Photonics Spectra.
Index
a MKS Ophir ................................................ 23, 71 Photonics Media Advertising Contacts
Admesy BV .............................................. C2, 69 www.ophiropt.com Please visit our website at

www.photonics.com/mediakit for all
www.admesy.com our marketing opportunities.
Alluxa ........................................................ 29, 68 n
www.alluxa.com NKT Photonics A/S ................................. 72, C3
Canada, Europe, Middle East,
Armadillo SIA ............................................ 51, 70 www.nktphotonics.com & Asia-Pacific
www.armadillosia.com Norland Products Inc. .............................. 22, 70 Matthew M. Beebe
Vice President of Sales
www.norlandproducts.com Voice: +1 413-499-0514, Ext. 103
b Novanta Photonics ................................... 56, 70 Fax: +1 413-443-0472
matt.beebe@photonics.com
Bristol Instruments Inc. ............................ 44, 70 www.novantaphotonics.com
www.bristol-inst.com NYFORS Teknologi AB ............................... 5, 71 Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains,
www.nyfors.com/products CA, HI, MA, & NV
Robert L. Gordon
c Account Executive
Coastal Connections ................................ 67, 68 o Voice: +1 413-499-0514, Ext. 207
Fax: +1 413-443-0472
www.coastalcon.com OFS .......................................................... 21, 69 robert.gordon@photonics.com
COMSOL Inc. ............................................. 3, 70 www.ofsoptics.com
www.comsol.com/feature/optics-innovation OSI Optoelectronics Inc. .......................... 63, 71 South Central U.S.,
Southeastern U.S., Midwest,
www.osioptoelectronics.info/ CT, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, & VT
d x-ray-photodiodes José D. Amor
Account Executive
DataRay Inc. ............................................. 58, 72 OZ Optics Limited ...................................... 9, 68 Voice: +1 413-499-0514, Ext. 108
www.dataray.com www.ozoptics.com Fax: +1 413-443-0472
jose.amor@photonics.com
Delta Optical Thin Film A/S ...................... 31, 70
www.deltaopticalthinfilm.com p
DRS Daylight Solutions ............................ 27, 68 Photonics Media ................................ 33, 49, 72 Rebecca L. Pontier
Director of Sales Operations
www.daylightsolutions.com www.photonics.com Voice: +1 413-499-0514, Ext. 112
Photonis Netherlands BV ......................... 22, 71 Fax: +1 413-443-0472
becky.pontier@photonics.com
e www.exosens.com
Edmund Optics ........................................ 37, 68 PhotonTec Berlin GmbH ........................... 51, 71
www.edmundoptics.com/imaging-optics www.photontec-berlin.com Reprint Services
PowerPhotonic Ltd. .................................. 19, 71 Voice: +1 413-499-0514
Evaporated Coatings Inc. ......................... 65, 69 Fax: +1 413-442-3180
www.evaporatedcoatings.com www.powerphotonic.com editorial@photonics.com
h r
Mailing Address
Headwall Photonics .................................. 19, 70 Radiant Vision Systems .............................. 8, 71 Send all contracts, insertion orders,
www.headwallphotonics.com www.radiantvisionsystems.com and advertising copy to:
Laurin Publishing
HHV Advanced Rainbow Research Optics ........................ 43, 68 PO Box 4949
www.rr-optics.com Pittsfield, MA 01202-4949
Technologies Pvt. Ltd. ........................... 21, 69
www.hhvadvancedtech.com RAYLASE GmbH ...................................... 39, 71
Himax IGI Precision Ltd. ........................... 17, 72 www.raylase.com Street Address
www.himaxigi.com Reynard Corporation ................................ 60, 69 Laurin Publishing
100 West Street
www.reynardcorp.com Pittsfield, MA 01201
l Voice: +1 413-499-0514
Fax: +1 413-443-0472
Lumatec GmbH ........................................ 45, 69 s advertising@photonics.com
www.lumatec.de SCANLAB GmbH ..................................... 15, 72
www.scanlab.de
m Schäfter + Kirchhoff ................................. 62, 68
Mad City Labs Inc. ................................... 60, 69 www.sukhamburg.com
www.madcitylabs.com Spectros AG ................................................... 45
Meopta - optika s.r.o. .............................. 69, C4 www.spectros.ch
www.meopta.com SPIE ................................................................ 67
Micro Laser Systems Inc. ......................... 17, 70 www.spie.org/op
www.microlaser.com
MKS/Newport ........................................... 65, 68
www.newport.com
524AdIndex.indd 73 4/19/2024 2:12:45 PM

Lighter
Side
Your garden is absolutely glowing, darling
I
n the realm of plant care, some people have worse than a In a recent development that is unlikely to help the horticul-
snowball’s chance in the desert at achieving success. Some turally hopeless grow much beyond moss on a rock, researchers
attempted gardeners are chronic under-feeders. By contrast, from Planta LLC, with support from bioluminescent plant
others can’t help but flood their plant life in too much water. company Light Bio, have discovered a way to brighten some-
In any case, many seem to lack the fundamentals of a one’s garden or potted plant collection. In recent work, the
green thumb. But don’t let us dissuade you from trying to raise collaborators looked at bioluminescence pathways in the fungus
that cactus in the rainforest. Neonothopanus nambi. Their aim was to create a hybridized
method for creating common plants that can sustain self-
luminescence. The endeavor builds on previous research that
found that the bioluminescence process in fungi is similar to
the metabolic process of plants during photosynthesis.
Effectively, the researchers are now attempting to elicit this
capability in plants as a by-product of an already natural process.
To this end, they identified a native gene in their plant test
subjects to help with this process.
Historically, creating bioluminescent plants requires scientists
to splice five separate genes from fungi into the selected plant.
Upon the discovery of the native bioluminescent gene, how-
ever, the collaborators can achieve their desired emittance by
integrating only three fungal genes.
Though the effort remains ongoing, Light Bio has already
used the technique to market a bioluminescent flower, dubbed
the Firefly Petunia. The green glowing annual produces a low-
level auto-luminescence at a peak wavelength of 530 nm
and impressive quality.
More favorable options for, say, commercial cutting and
welding remain available on the market. Still, it’s widely known
that consumers like to have options. The Firefly Petunia surely
isn’t the least viable candidate growing in the garden to feature
in your Mach-Zehnder setup.
The researchers believe that their findings could chart a
course for longitudinal bioluminescence imaging experiments.
These may include the study of circadian rhythms, plant
development, and other physiological factors using the metabo-
lization used by the plants during the bioluminescence process.
This, and the simplification of making plants auto-illuminate,
could lead to further breakthroughs down the road.
So, whether we start using daisies as streetlights, ivy in
our chandeliers, or lilac-emitting diodes (the “other” LEDs),
those bereft of the green thumb will be forced to observe from
afar as the rest of us bask in the soft glow of our own backyards
and patios.
The research was published in Science Advances (www.doi.
org/10.1126/sciadv.adk1992).
74 Photonics Spectra May 2024 Image courtesy of Light Bio. www.photonics.com
524LighterSide.indd 74 4/19/2024 2:42:54 PM

Drive innovation further with our lasers and fibers! Choose
from a wide range of ultrafast lasers, supercontinuum white
light lasers, single-frequency fiber lasers, and an extensive
variety of specialty fibers. Other innovators use our lasers
for quantum experiments, neuroscience, nanomaterial
characterization or in space applications ...
What’s your next innovation?
sales@nktphotonics.com
www.nktphotonics.com
524_NKT_CV03.indd 75 4/19/2024 3:06:30 PM

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Metalenz CEO and cofounder.

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to replace Schaumburg in the the finance director of PowerPhotonic Limited and a

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524IndustryNews.indd 14 4/19/2024 2:59:16 PM

Photonics and senior leadership and board-level positions at SmartKem,

MoviTHERM, a provider of thermal monitoring solutions,

ment in the machine vision industry, and previously served

Applied Energetics Inc. named James Harrison director of new product

Stefan Ilse (left) and