Tunable Lasers

Overview

Our range of services

Fraunhofer ILT develops tunable lasers with wavelengths from UV to MIR for a wide range of applications from metrology to materials processing. For them, systems with tunable lasers are implemented using broadband amplifying laser media, such as titanium sapphire or alexandrite, as well as optically parametric beam sources or converters.

The institute has already realized solutions for a wide range of specific requirements, such as average powers from a few milliwatts to several tens of watts, time regimes from ultrashort pulses to continuous operation, or spectral properties from ultra-wide spectra to single-frequency operation. Within the scope of current research projects, Fraunhofer ILT is continuously expanding the parameter ranges and fields of application for lasers and optics. Its focus is on demand-driven solutions for implementing new ideas as well as for optimizing existing systems.

In atmospheric research, for example, very robust beam sources are usually required due to the demanding operating conditions, such as on ships, in aircraft or in arctic regions. In laser material processing with adapted wavelengths, frequency-converted lasers of high average power are commonly used, among others. In addition to optimizing established laser designs with wavelengths of around 1 μm and below, the scientists at Fraunhofer ILT are also opening up many technically and economically interesting material classes that exhibit very high absorption.

In the field of quantum technology, Fraunhofer ILT is developing new applications for parametric beam sources and frequency converters – in close cooperation with top international researchers. These range from non-invasive sensor technology to data-secure communication and cryptography to components for quantum computers.

The range of services we offer includes feasibility studies, development or optimization of lasers and frequency converters, system integration, analysis and validation, and comprehensive consulting.

Continuous diode-pumped alexandrite laser.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Continuous diode-pumped alexandrite laser.
Optical parametric oscillator realized by means of laser-based soldering technology.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Optical parametric oscillator realized by means of laser-based soldering technology.
A diode-pumped alexandrite laser, for example, can reduce the size and power requirements of a LIDAR system.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
A diode-pumped alexandrite laser, for example, can reduce the size and power requirements of a LIDAR system.

Tunable lasers

  • UV to NIR: broadband tunable lasers and frequency converters with nanosecond pulses and narrow spectral linewidths
  • MIR: tunable OPOs, OPGs and OPAs

Range of services

  • Technology consulting and patent searches
  • Simulation and design
  • Feasibility studies and characterization of components and beam sources
  • Development of demonstrators and prototypes

Brochures

Our brochures offer a quick view onto our service portfolio. Find more detailed information in the “project results“ tab.

 

“UV, VIS and Tunable Lasers“

Markets

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency.

Read up about the innovations of the Fraunhofer ILT in a few selected industries and convince yourself!

 

Research with us!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about general topics! Our contact persons are happy to get in touch with you.