PhotonicsViews最新文献

The invention of the laser paved the way for numerous outstanding developments that have been revolutionizing our lives in many areas. The ongoing research and development as performed by ICFO adds even more options and alternatives to the broad range of existing photonics technologies. Key to all their developments is having accurate tools to measure the light and analyze the beam.

To find out more about how photonics companies, particularly start-ups, can increase their chances of a successful pitch, three people with extensive experience in photonics investment talk to EPIC director general Carlos Lee for an investee perspective: two investors, Ewit Roos at PhotonVentures and Marek Kotelnicki from Vigo Ventures, and Ronny Timmreck, serial entrepreneur and currently CEO at Vitrealab, a provider of light engines for AR glasses.

Lasers form the backbone of modern communications technology, but they also weld together batteries for electric cars. Lasers measure the atmosphere and correct our vision, but they also produce tiny computer chips. They are currently paving the way for quantum computers and fusion power plants of the future. From developing 20 kW cutting lasers to AI-controlled production systems, the teams at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT have been contributing to the success story of lasers for forty years, always aiming to effectively transfer ideas from research into practice.

Laser beam shaping refers to the process of altering the spatial distribution of a laser beam's intensity to achieve a desired irradiance profile at a target plane. This manipulation is an essential step in ensuring the beam's characteristics align with the specific requirements of the application. Various approaches, such as the use of refractive and diffractive optical elements, are used to reshape the beam while maintaining efficiency.

This analysis traces the evolution of laser process upscaling over the years, highlights key milestones and technological improvements and identifies the current challenges faced by existing laser processes, focusing on three critical sectors: microprocessing, laser welding and powder bed fusion – laser beam (PBF-LB). A series of case studies from Cailabs and its industrial partners demonstrates how beam shaping provides a valuable technological advantage, enabling real industrial improvements in laser-based manufacturing processes.

The machine frame alone weighs seven tons, is one and a half meters high and three meters wide – not everyday dimensions for Laservorm, but still part of its daily routine. The laser machine manufacturer has delivered a universal tandem machine in a gantry system to its customer for alternate laser cutting and laser welding. Included in the delivery: drive technology from Hiwin.

Photonics plays a vital role in enabling quantum technologies across computing, sensing, and secure communication. This article explores Hamamatsu Photonics' expanding portfolio, from vapor cell-based sensors to advanced lasers and imaging systems. It highlights how the company's innovations are helping to bridge the gap between research and real-world quantum applications.

While laser technology has reached maturity in some fields, it still is a game changer for many others. Professor Andreas Tünnermann, director of the Fraunhofer IOF, discusses how photonics is stepping into new roles by becoming a crucial enabler for AI, and why the evolution of fiber lasers is far from over.

A new generation of compact ultrafast laser systems capable of simultaneous two and three-photon microscopy – including two-photon fluorescence (2PF), second harmonic generation (SHG), three-photon fluorescence (3PF), and third harmonic generation (THG) imaging – offer exciting potential to accelerate biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.