Optoelectronics and High-Frequency Technology From Laser Chips to Quantum Light Sources in Medicine

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The Ferdinand Braun Institute (FBH) offers technical components related to optoelectronics, semiconductor lasers, and quantum technologies. Specifically, it focuses on practical applications such as compact quantum sensing, medical diagnostics using quantum light sources, and lidar. A selection of developments.

The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) is an internationally recognized research institute from Berlin, which belongs to the Leibniz Association and specializes in applied research and the development of semiconductor technologies. It is a leading research institute in Europe, particularly in the fields of ultra-high frequency technology, optoelectronics and quantum technologies. The article presents a selection of technological developments and provides insights into optoelectronics.

Quantum Technologies for Medical Diagnostic Procedures

The FBH has developed special quantum light sources for medical applications. They support the early detection of cancer thanks to hyperspectral imaging. High-power diode lasers with a specific wavelength of 720 nm are used for this purpose. The central element is entangled photon pairs, which are generated simultaneously in the mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) range.

This is realized using the "Measurement by Undetected Photons" method. Here, a tissue sample is only irradiated with MIR photons, while the actual measurement is carried out indirectly via the detection of NIR photons. As the image data is recorded in the more cost-effective and efficient NIR range, the cost of sensors and light sources can be significantly reduced compared to the MIR range. The modules developed at the FBH enable rapid measurements and can therefore help to simplify cancer diagnostics.

Pulsed High-Power Diode Lasers for Lidar

Time-resolved lidar applications (time-of-flight) require reliable and high-performance pulsed laser diodes. The experts at FBH have developed specially designed, grating-stabilized diode lasers that are capable of generating extremely short, high-power laser pulses.

For medium ranges, FBH offers ridge waveguide lasers that deliver pulse powers of over 20 W with a lateral beam profile (M² factor of around 3). For long distances, broadband laser diodes with pulse powers of up to 420 W are available. In addition, laser bars with 48 emitters have been developed that even generate pulse powers of over 2,000 W.

All these components can be compactly accommodated in butterfly housings, which already contain electronic control, micro-optics and thermal management. A simple, user-friendly demonstrator allows uncomplicated integration and control and only requires a single voltage source for operation.

Additive Manufacturing, Laser Core Fusion and Energy Transfer

FBH provides high-performance diode laser modules for demanding applications in additive manufacturing (laser-generated metal 3D printing), inertial fusion energy (IFE) and wireless energy transmission over long distances (power beaming).

The "SAMBA" diode laser system, which achieves an output of several kilowatts, is designed for additive manufacturing processes with aluminum, for example. This system is currently undergoing practical testing in cooperation with partners from industry. Furthermore, the FBH, together with the University of Glasgow, has produced special single-mode high-power diodes for possible applications in space-based "power beaming", which will also be presented.

Together with industrial partner Trumpf, FBH also offers multi-junction laser bars that have been specially designed for use in future IFE systems and offer high performance with a stable grating structure.

Quantum Sensor Technology with Ceramic 3D Printing Processes

With the help of lithography-based additive manufacturing of technical ceramics (such as aluminum oxide), the FBH is creating new possibilities for the construction of compact quantum sensor systems. This process makes it possible to produce components with complex structures that are both mechanically resilient and lightweight. Production cycles can be flexibly designed and quickly adapted to changing requirements.

As a concrete example, the FBH is presenting a miniaturized frequency reference based on rubidium laser spectroscopy. The researchers precisely mount its optical components on 3D-printed ceramic substrates using hybrid microintegration. The result is a robust, compact overall system with a volume of 7 ml and a weight of 15 g. Such systems are particularly suitable for mobile and later use in space.

Integrated Chip Platforms Based on GaAs

In semiconductor technology, FBH has extensive expertise in the manufacture of gallium arsenide-based (GaAs) laser diodes and integrated optical components. Specifically, the institute is presenting new photonic integrated GaAs circuits (PICs) that combine active amplification with passive waveguides. Among other things, this results in ring resonator-coupled lasers that can provide outputs of around 14 mW at a wavelength of around 1,050 nm.

The FBH is also developing GaAs amplifier chips that can be incorporated into various passive waveguide platforms using integrated transfer printing processes. In future, these technologies will be incorporated into larger projects such as the European pilot line APECS and the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD). (heh)