From laser chips to complete systems – FBH at Laser World of Photonics
Ferdinand-Braun-Institut demonstrates its comprehensive expertise in the field of diode lasers / More than 20 presentations at the accompanying CLEO Europe conference
Once again, the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH) will be presenting its comprehensive range of photonics expertise and solutions at Laser World of Photonics in Munich from June 24 to 27, 2025. At the Berlin-Brandenburg joint booth in hall A2.117, the FBH will showcase customized semiconductor laser chips, diode lasers, and modules for applications in space, communications, medical technology, materials processing, and quantum technologies. The Berlin-based institute will be exhibiting innovative quantum light and LiDAR modules as well as the high-performance direct diode laser system “Samba” for additive manufacturing. The use of 3D-printed technical ceramics in compact quantum sensor systems, which are to be used in space in the future, will also be introduced.
The FBH will be presenting selected key components for quantum technologies at the World of Quantum in hall A1.240 at the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD – Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland) stand.
Quantum light sources – entangled photons for medicine and life science applications
The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut has developed quantum light sources tailored for medical applications, particularly for early cancer diagnosis. For hyperspectral imaging, a technique used to examine tissue samples, the FBH employs unique high-power diode lasers emitting at a wavelength of 720 nm. Entangled photon pairs are generated in the mid- and near-infrared (MIR and NIR) ranges in a nonlinear crystal, then brought to interference and utilized for imaging. The cutting-edge ‘measurement by undetected photons’ method enables to scan the sample with MIR photons and capture the measurement information by detecting the NIR photons. With this so-called quantum imaging, images are solely generated with the photons that have not directly interacted with the object. The approach allows diagnostics to be carried out in the more economical NIR range, eliminating the need for costly light sources and sensors with lower efficiency in the MIR range. Compared to existing solutions, the FBH-developed modules – created as part of the BMFTR-funded QEED project – also significantly reduce measurement times. This advancement marks a substantial step forward in accelerating cancer diagnostics.
High-performance pulsed nanosecond laser sources for ToF LiDAR
The FBH presents grating-stabilized diode lasers featuring multiple active regions, specifically developed for nanosecond pulse operation in time-of-flight (ToF) LiDAR systems. These are pivotal in applications such as automotive distance measurement. Among FBH’s developments are ridge-waveguide lasers optimized for mid-range scanning. These emit high-power pulses exceeding 20 W, while maintaining excellent lateral beam quality, demonstrated by a beam propagation factor M² of just 3. For long-range applications, FBH has realized broad-area diode lasers with stripe widths of up to 200 µm, achieving pulse powers up to 420 W. To further extend the scanning range, the institute has developed 48-emitter laser bars with 50 µm emitter widths, capable of delivering pulse powers exceeding 2,000 W. These lasers can be microintegrated into compact, sealable butterfly housings together with custom-designed driver electronics, micro-optics, and thermal management components. A plug-and-play demonstrator simplifies integration by offering efficient thermal management and electrical connection to a user-friendly PC-controlled graphical user interface. Notably, the entire system operates with just a single DC power supply.
High-power diode lasers for laser fusion, additive manufacturing, and power beaming
High-power diode lasers from FBH are key components that make a wide range of applications possible in the first place. These include energy generation through inertial fusion (IFE), additive manufacturing (AM), and space-based power beaming – the efficient wireless transmission of energy over long distances using directed electromagnetic radiation. The institute will demonstrate the potential of these laser components for future applications in three presentations at CLEO Europe. As an example, the FBH will exhibit its SAMBA direct laser system with kilowatt output power for additive manufacturing of aluminum at its booth. The prototype is already undergoing extensive testing at the project partners Photon Laser Manufacturing and SKDK. In addition, the FBH will share results from the demonstration of single-mode diode lasers for space-based power beaming, which were developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow. Project coordinator TRUMPF will present the development of high-power pump lasers for future IFE systems, with FBH responsible for developing and supplying efficient, lattice-stabilized multi-junction diode laser bars in the kilowatt class.
3D printed ceramics for compact and robust quantum sensors
The FBH possesses cutting-edge infrastructure for high-performance 3D printing a broad spectrum of materials, enabling solutions for sophisticated applications. A research team at FBH is now reporting on the pioneering use of lithography-based 3D printed technical ceramics (aluminum oxide) in compact quantum sensor systems. This innovative technology enables the production of intricate components for miniaturized systems with excellent mechanical stability and low weight. Short production cycles allow agile development and scalable manufacturing. Further functionalization through topological optimization and direct metallization of the surfaces and 3D printing of additional materials (zirconium oxide, aluminum nitride) is planned. The printing process was used to create an optical frequency reference based on rubidium laser spectroscopy. Optical components were mounted on the printed ceramic substrates using high-precision hybrid microintegration, then assembled into a robust overall system. This set-up is ideally suited for laser frequency stabilization in quantum technology applications. At the same time, the volume (7 ml) and mass (15 g) have been significantly reduced compared to laboratory setups. When combined with the ultra-stable, miniaturized optical systems for atom manipulation also developed at FBH, this approach paves the way for robust, portable quantum sensors.
Unique expertise in chip technology and development
The FBH is among the world's leading research institutions in chip design and the fabrication of gallium arsenide (GaAs)-based diode lasers. In two upcoming presentations, the institute will highlight its latest advances in photonic integration. Key developments include a novel GaAs-based photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform that combines on-chip amplification with passive, flat and deep-etched waveguides. This platform provides the basis for ring resonator-coupled lasers emitting up to 14 mW at a wavelength of approximately 1050 nm. Additionally, FBH will present heterogeneous GaAs amplifier chiplets operating at 890 nm, which can be integrated into passive waveguide platforms via transfer printing. Looking ahead, the FBH will contribute these results to the APECS pilot line, which is being implemented by the Research Fab Microelectronics Germany (FMD) under the EU Chips Act. As part of this effort, the FBH will integrate GaAs-based laser and amplifier chiplets into passive silicon nitride waveguide platforms.
Further information on the FBH programme at Laser World of Photonics & Cleo Europe 2025
Contact:
Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH
Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik
Petra Immerz, M.A.
Communications Manager
Gustav-Kirchhoff-Straße 4, 12489 Berlin
+49 30 6392-2626
petra.immerz(at)fbh-berlin.de
www.fbh-berlin.de
Press release by FBH, 12 June 2025