Solid State Lasers

Solid-state lasers are widely used in the market: from production and measurement technology via communication and information technology all the way to medical technology. Fraunhofer ILT designs, develops and constructs solid-state lasers with pulse durations in the nanosecond and picosecond range up to continuous wave operation and with repetition rates from a few Hz up to MHz in pulsed operation. Whether they have large pulse energies (> 100 mJ) or pulse peak powers (> 100 MW), high average power (> 1 kW), special wavelengths in the range 1 μm to 3 μm, narrowband or broadband spectra, the lasers developed at Fraunhofer ILT cover a broad spectrum of customer-specific requirements.

INNOSLAB technology makes it possible to develop high performance and cost-effective high-gain laser amplifiers used in industrial applications such as manufacturing. The crystal composition and geometry of the INNOSLAB technology are decisive factors. Together with partners from research and industry, Fraunhofer ILT is also developing novel crystals that generate application-specific wavelengths in a direct and efficient manner. Solid-state lasers are used, for example, as transmission sources in LIDAR systems for metrology.

The range of services includes feasibility studies, simulations, the development of customized solid-state lasers, the automation of laser systems and their integration in industrial applications as well as individual consulting.

Oscillators

• INNOSLAB and rod oscillators
• Ultra stable single-frequency systems for aerospace
• Adapted pulse duration and wavelength
• New laser materials

Amplifier Systems

• High power InnoSlab amplifiers
• Regenerative amplifiers with variable pulse lengths
• Pulse durations from ps up to cw
• PRF from single shot to MHz

Prototype Development

• Tailored customer-specific solutions
• Prototypes for scientific and industrial use
• Lasers for aerospace

Simulation and Consulting

• Design, analysis and optimization of lasers
• Analytical and numerical simulation

Bieringer, M., Weitenberg, J., Udem, Th., Ozawa, A.:
Astigmatic thermal lensing due to surface bulging in Yb:KYW laser crystals.
Optical Materials Express 14(11), 2527-2541, (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OME.530949 (Open Access)

Canella, F., Weitenberg, J., Thariq, M., Schmid, F., Dwivedi, P., Galzerano, G., Hänsch, Th. W., Udem, Th., Ozawa, A.:
Low-repetition-rate optical frequency comb.
Optica 11(1), (8 S.), (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTICA.506353 (Open Access)

Moreno, J., Schmid, F., Weitenberg, J., Karshenboim, S. G., Hänsch, Th. W., Udem, Th., Ozawa, A.,
Toward XUV frequency comb spectroscopy of the 1 S–2 S transition in He+.
The European Physical Journal D 77, 67- (2023)
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjd/s10053-023-00645-1

Esser, D., Giesberts, M., Erben, B., Nyga, S., Kasemann, R., Wührer, C., Hahn, S., Leyendecker, M., Eßer, J., Wirz, W., Klein, S., Traub, M., Klein, J., Brandenburg, W., Luttmann, K., Mohr, D., Pérez Prieto, L., Hoffmann, H.-D:
Optomechanical design of a 150 mJ single frequency UV laser for the AEOLUS-2 mission.
International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022, 3-7 October 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Proceedings Volume 12777, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2022; 127770N (2023).
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2688830

Livrozet, M., Gronloh, B., Faidel, H., Luttmann, J., Hoffmann, D.:
Optical and Optomechanical Design of the MERLIN Laser Optical Bench.
International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2021| 30 March - 2 April 2021 | Online Only. Proceedings Volume 11852, International Conference on Space Optics — ICSO 2020; 118522Q- (14 S.) (2021) 11852
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2599445

Luttmann, J., Klein, J. Plum, H.-D., Hoffmann, D., Hahn, S., Bode, M.:
FULAS: Design and test results of a novel laser platform for future LIDAR missions.
SPIE LASE, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 10082, Solid State Lasers XXVI: Technology and Devices; 100821H (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2256361

Elsen, F., Livrozet, M., Strotkamp, M., Wüppen, J., Jungbluth, B., Kasemann, R.,Löhring, J., Meissner, A., Meyer, R., Hoffmann, H.-D., Poprawe, R.:
Demonstration of a 100-mJ OPO/ OPA for future lidar applications and laser-induced damage threshold testing of optical components for MERLIN.
Optical Engineering 57, 21205- (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1117/1.OE.57.2.021205

Elsen, F., Livrozet, M., Strotkamp, M., Wüppen, J., Jungbluth, B., Kasemann, R., Löhring, J., Meissner, A. Meyer, R., Hoffmann, D., Poprawe, R.:
Demonstration of a 100mJ OPO/OPA for Future Lidar Applications and LIDT Testing of Optical Components for MERLIN.
Solid State Lasers XXVI: Technology and Devices, San Francisco, California, United States, 27 January - 1 February 2017. Proceedings Volume 10082, Solid State Lasers XXVI: Technology and Devices; 100821L (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2250838

Strotkamp, M., Elsen, F., Löhring, J., Traub, M., Hoffmann, D.:
Two stage Innoslab amplifier for energy scaling from 100 to >500 mJ for future lidar applications.
APPLIED OPTICS 56(10), 2886-2892 (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.56.002886

Hahn, S., Bode, M., Luttmann, J., Hoffmann, H.-D.:
FULAS: High Energy Laser Source for Future LIDARApplications.
ICSO 2016. International Conference on Space Optics. Biarritz, France, 18 - 21 October 2016. Paper 23, 1-8 (2016)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2214952

Kucirek, P., Meissner, A., Eiselt, P., Höfer, M., Hoffmann, D.:
A single-frequency double-pulse Ho:YLF laser for CO2-lidar.
SPIE LASE, 2016, San Francisco, California, United States. Proceedings Volume 9726, Solid State Lasers XXV: Technology and Devices; 97260M (2016)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2214952

Löhring, J., Strotkamp, M., Elsen, F., Kasemann, R., Klein, J., Traub, M., Kochem, G., Meissner, A., Höfer, M., Hoffmann, D.:
Demonstration of a 500 mJ InnoSlab-amplifier for future lidar applications.
PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE 97260, 1-7 (2016)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2211029

Livrozet, M. J., Elsen, F., Wüppen, J., Löhring, J., Büdenbender, C., Fix, A., Jungnbluth, B., Hoffmann, D.:
Feasibility and performance study for a space-borne 1645 nm OPO for French-German satellite mission MERLIN.
SPIE Photonics Europe, 13-17 April 2014, Brussels, Belgium. Proceedings Volume 9135, Laser Sources and Applications II; 913515 (2014)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2052396

Löhring, J., Luttmann, J., Kasemann, R., Schlösser, M., Klein, J., Hoffmann, H.-D., Amediek, A., Büdenbender, C., Fix, A., Wirth, M., Quatrevalet, M., Ehret, G.:
INNOSLAB-based single-frequency MOPA for airborne lidar detection of CO2 and methane
SPIE LASE, 2014, San Francisco, California, United States. Proceedings Volume 8959, Solid State Lasers XXIII: Technology and Devices; 89590J (2014)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2041763

Li, J., Yang, S. H., Meissner, A., Hofer, M., Hoffmann, D.:
A 200 W innoslab Tm:YLF laser
Laser Physics Letters 10, 55002-(2013)
https://doi.org/10.1088/1612-2011/10/5/055002

Meissner, A., Kucirek, P., Li, J., Hoefer, M., Hoffmann, D.:
Simulations and experiments on resonantly-pumped singe-frequency Erbium lasers at 1.6 µm
SPIE LASE, 2013, San Francisco, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 8599, Solid State Lasers XXII: Technology and Devices; 85990H (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2001784

Meissner, A., Li, J., Lopez-Perez, I., Yang, S., Hoefer, M., Hoffmann, D.: 
200-W Tm:YLF INNOSLAB laser
SPIE LASE, 2013, San Francisco, California, United States. Solid State Lasers XII, Proc. SPIE 8599, C1-7 (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2004317

Tulea, C., Caron, J., Wahab, H., Gehlich, N., Hoefer, M., Esser, D., Jungbluth, B., Lenenbach, A., Noll, R.:
Highly efficient nonthermal ablation of bone under bulk water with a frequency-doubled Nd:YVO4 picosecond laser
Proceedings Volume 8565, Photonic Therapeutics and Diagnostics IX; 85656E (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2004392

Faidel, H., Gronloh, B., Winzen, M., Liermann, E., Esser, D., Morasch, V., Luttmann, J., Leers, M., Hoffmann, D.:
Passive alignment and soldering technique for optical components 
Proceedings Volume 8235, Solid State Lasers XXI: Technology and Devices; 82351I (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.906726

Legall, H., Blobel, G., Stiel, H., Sandner, W., Seim, C., Takman, P., Martz, D. H., Selin, M., Vogt, U., Hertz, H. M., Esser, D., Sipma, H., Luttmann, J., Höfer, M., Hoffmann, H. D., Yulin, S., Feigl, T., Rehbein, S., Guttmann, P., Schneider, G., Wiesemann, U., Wirtz, M., Diete, W.:
Compact x-ray microscope for the water window based on a high brightness laser plasma source 
Opt. Express, OSA, 20, 18362-18369 (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.20.018362

Pupeza, I., Holzberger, S., Eidam, T., Esser, D., Weitenberg, J., Carstens, H., Rußbüldt, P., Limpert, J., Udem, T., Tünnermann, A., Hänsch, T. W., Krausz, F., Fill, E.:
Generation of Coherent sub-20 nm XUV Radiation at 78 MHz via 
Cavity-Based HHG
Proc. of the 18th International Conference on Ultrafast Phenomena (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/20134110023

Meissner, A., Kucirek, P., Hoffmann, H.-D.:
Resonantly-pumped single-frequency Er:YLuAG-laser with pulsed emission at 1645.2 nm  (air)
Proceedings of the Europhoton 2012 Conference, Stockholm (2012)

Fix, A., Ehret, G., Löhring, J., Hoffmann, D., Alpers, M.
Water vapor differential absorption lidar measurements using a diode-pumped all-solid-state laser at 935 nm
Appl. Phys. B-Lasers and Optics 102, 905-915, (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-010-4310-5 (Open Access)

Löhring, J., Meissner, A., Hoffmann, D., Fix, A., Ehret, G., Alpers, M.
Diode-pumped single-frequency-Nd:YGG-MOPA for water-vapor DIAL measurements: design, setup and performance
Appl. Phys. B-Lasers and Optics DOI (19 S.), 917-935, (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-00-4314-1

Strotkamp, M., Schwarz, T., Jungbluth, B., Faidel, H., Leers, M.
Efficient, green laser based on a blue-diode pumped rare-earth-doped fluoride crystal in an extremely short resonator
SPIE LASE, 2010, San Francisco, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 7578, Solid State Lasers XIX: Technology and Devices; 75780O (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.839998

Strotkamp, M., Schwarz, T., Jungbluth, B.
Power scaling of a compact and efficient blue diode pumped solid state laser emitting green light
Advanced Solid State Photonics (ASSP), San Diego, Ca., February 3, 2010. OSA Technical Digest Series, Paper AMB 29. (3 S.)
https://doi.org/10.1364/ASSP.2010.AMB29

C. Brecher, C., N. Pyschny, N., P. Loosen, P., Funck, M., Morasch, V., Schmitt, R., Pavim, A.:
Self-optimising flexible assembly systems
Self-x in Engineering. Benjamin Klöpper, Wilhelm Dangelmaier (Eds.)
Münster: MV-Wissenschaft 2009
pp. 23-38

Dolkemeyer, J., Funck, M., Morasch, V., Schnitzler, C., Loosen, P.:
Soldering techniques for the assembly of high power solid-state lasers
European Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics and the XIth European Quantum Electronics Conference, Munich June 14-19, 2009
https://doi.org/10.1109/CLEOE-EQEC.2009.5194646

Gronloh, B, Höfer, M., Wester, R., Hoffmann, H.-D.:
High power UV generation at 355 nm by means of extracavity frequency conversion of a high repetition rate Innoslab MOPA system
 SPIE LASE: Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2009, San Jose, California, United.
Proceedings Volume 7193, Solid State Lasers XVIII: Technology and Devices; 71930Y (2009) 
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813633

Schmitt, R., Pavim, A., Brecher, C., Pyschny, N., Loosen, P., Funck, M., Dolkemeyer, J., Morasch, V.:
Flexibel automatisierte Montage von Festkörperlasern
WT-Online Nr. 11/12, 955-960, 2008

Kochem, G., Haverkamp, M., Boucke, H.:
Frequency stabilized high brightness tapered amplifier and laser modules
SPIE Photonics Europe, 2008, Strasbourg, France. Proceedings Volume 6997, Semiconductor Lasers and Laser Dynamics III; 69971A (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.780241

Schulz, W., Weber, H., Poprawe R.,(Eds.)
Laser Systems Pt 2.
Schulz, W., Weber, H., Poprawe R.,( (Eds.): New Series Landolt-Börnstein, Group VIII/1: Advanced Materials and Technologies, Volume 1: Laser Physics and Applications, Subvolume VIII/1B 2
Berlin: Springer 2008
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-45867-8_9

Luttmann, J. , Nicklaus, K., Morasch, V., Fu, S., Höfer, M., Traub, M. , Hoffmann, H.-D., Treichel, R., Wührer, C., Zeller, P.:
Very high-efficiency, frequency-tripled Nd:YAG MOPA for spaceborne lidar
 Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2008, San Jose, California, United States.  Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2008, San Jose, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 6871, Solid State Lasers XVII: Technology and Devices; 687109 (2008)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763640

Luttmann, J., Nicklaus, K., Morasch, V., Fu, S., Höfer, M., Traub, M., Hoffmann, H.-D., Treichel, R., Wührer, C., Zeller, P.:
Very high-efficiency, frequency-tripled Nd:YAG MOPA for spaceborne lidar
Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2008, San Jose, California, United States. Proceedings Volume 6871, Solid State Lasers XVII: Technology and Devices; 687109 (2008)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.763640

Hoefer, M., Traub, M., Kleindienst, R., Sipma, H., Hoffmann, H.-D., Wessels, P., Burdack, P.:
Multi ten-watt, ultra-stable, and tuneable Innoslab-based single frequency MOPA
Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2007, San Jose, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 6451, Solid State Lasers XVI: Technology and Devices; 64510S (2007)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.709592

Loehring, J., Nicklaus, K., Kujath, N., Hoffmann, D.:
Diode pumped Nd:YGG laser for direct generation of pulsed 935 nm radiation for water vapour measurements
Lasers and Applications in Science and Engineering, 2007, San Jose, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 6451, Solid State Lasers XVI: Technology and Devices; 64510I (2007) 
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.708220

Nicklaus, K., Daniels, M., Hohn, R., Hoffmann, D.
Optical Isolator for Unpolarized Laser Radiation at Multi-Kilowatt Average Power
Technical Digest - OSA "Advanced Solid-State Photonics" (3 S.) 2006
https://doi.org/10.1364/ASSP.2006.MB7