查看更多>>摘要：The biggest impact for a practical use of lasers was the invention of a technology that brought pulsed operation of lasers out of the lab into the real world: University professor Ursula Keller invented the semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) in the early 1990s while at AT&T Bell Laboratories. A device that made it possible for the first time to create ultrafast laser pulses in solid-state lasers in a practical manner. The main advantage of ultrafast lasers is the delivery of precise amounts of energy to a precisely localized spot. This high level of energy control is certainly a unique feature of laser technology that will bring further advances in existing and new applications of lasers in the coming years.
查看更多>>摘要：The gain switching effect in semiconductor laser diodes can be technically used to generate laser pulses of less than 100 ps by means of a fast driver circuit with a pulse generator integrated on the chip. With this new technology, the resolution and range of TOF applications can be improved or innovative applications for lasers in medical technology can be developed, for example, in opto-acoustic diagnostic procedures such as elastography imaging. For TOF applications, a synchronization output has also been integrated on the chip so that the pulse generator and detector can be perfectly synchronized. Central prerequisites for such applications are precise scaling of the current pulse, which can be set with a resolution of 1 ps, and temperature stabilization. This is the only way to avoid secondary pulses at pulse repetition frequencies of up to 200 MHz. The high pulse power combined with low average power is suitable for comparatively long ranges and for applications where eye safety must be taken into account.
查看更多>>摘要：Femtosecond laser pulses are indispensable for high-precision measurements with high-temporal resolution and sensitivity in quantum technologies and spectroscopy, but also in the efficient characterization of materials. However, as the complexity of the experimental set-up increases, so too does the demand for reliability and ease of operation of the laser itself. If ultrashort-pulse lasers are to serve as the basal elements of highly complex systems, they must meet demanding specifications with respect to stability, spectral reproducibility, and insensitivity to external conditions. The collaborative efforts of Neaspec and Menlo Systems are bringing commercial systems onto the market, which combine near-field microscopy and spectroscopy with coherent radiation in the terahertz region. Initial applications are envisaged in the non-invasive and contact-free characterization of semiconductor architectures and other materials whose operation is a function of the concentration and mobility of the charge carriers they contain. This relatively new method for probing the properties of novel functional materials could both simplify and stimulate the further development of these compounds.
查看更多>>摘要：With the optimization of 3D applications, the complexity of working with camera hardware and its data increases inevitably. With the Ensenso SDK 2.2 and the new 5 MP camera models, IDS offers several solutions that simplify the work with 3D data for system integrators and developers. With further improved hardware and software, IDS supports the development of more powerful 3D applications. Even for difficult tasks such as bin-picking, the demands on quality, cycle rate and economy can now all be met, as well as the rapid availability of robot vision applications.
查看更多>>摘要：Selecting the most appropriate technology for any given application is not a simple task and, in any case, may actually be the wrong starting point. What is perhaps more important today is choosing a platform that can grow and evolve, supporting a path of continuous improvement that has the lowest impact on product development. Image sensor designs such as the X-Class platform provide the flexibility to grow by including support for additional resolutions and pixel features, allowing camera manufacturers to continue delivering the benefits of a common platform across multiple camera generations.
查看更多>>摘要：While a significant body of work exists on the utilization of PIC technology for cheap consumables for lab-on-a-chip applications, here we focus on the utilization of visible wavelength PICs in high-value instrumentation. We have presented chip and system-level characterization results for a multi-color laser engine based on a PIC incorporating the required core functionalities. The chip was implemented in the Triplex silicon nitride technology in the framework of the PIX4life pilot line, with layer thicknesses optimized for visible wavelength life-science applications. The demonstrated chip combines variable optical attenuation and multiplexing of four wavelengths covering the entire visible spectrum (405, 488, 561, 640nm) with moderate overall insertion losses (~5dB chip level, ~6.5dB system level) for three of the wavelengths (488, 561, 640 nm). Further work aims to improve both insertion losses and reliability of the 405 nm interfaces. Moreover, after a first demonstration of module assembly, the focus will now move to verifying and guaranteeing the long-term stability of the assembly. In order to leverage the full flexibility afforded by PIC integration, a version of the chip including beam shaping in its output stage for direct free-space coupling into a flow cytometer is also under development.
查看更多>>摘要：Radiation discharges caused by fiber breaks or detachment of the fiber from the beam source are among the greatest hazards when using high-performance fiber-coupled lasers. A new fiber concept for the first time enables automatic laser shutdown in the event of damage. The relatively straightforward principle is based on thin copper wires, which are integrated into the polyamide jacket and connected to the circuit of the laser source. If the optical fiber is damaged, the copper wire conductors are destroyed and the power supply to the laser immediately interrupted. The risk of a radiation leak is therefore greatly reduced and occupational safety is improved in the long term.
查看更多>>摘要：The growing market for silicon photonics circuits has led to the need for reliable, automated physical verification and manufacturing verification process flows that address the unique physical characteristics of silicon photonics designs. Fortunately, there is no need to reinvent the tools and processes already in place for electronic IC verification. Expanding the use of established functionality such as equation-based DRC, shape-matching LV5 and litho-friendly design enables designers to accommodate the new components and design concepts of silicon photonics designs.
查看更多>>摘要：The RamanBioAssay, a light-based rapid test method for the identification and resistance testing of pathogens in infectious diseases, leads to a faster and gentler therapy with antibiotics. These can thus be used in a more targeted manner and bacterial resistance evolution can be avoided. The pathogens are characterized by Raman spectroscopy and microphotography. In addition, the use of the RamanBioAssay also offers economic advantages, as hospital stays, for example, can be shorter. The aim is to develop a mobile handheld device that enables on-site diagnosis, for example in a pharmacy.
查看更多>>摘要：Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are practical and compact, but the laser beams from these sources still need to be measured because people and animals must be protected from uncontrolled laser radiation. Depending on the type of VCSELs and their application, there are several measurement methods available that provide reliable results.
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