Berlin, Jena Researchers Collaborate on Laser Technology Project

Research institutes from Berlin and Jena, Germany, are pooling their laser technology expertise for the Mittlerer-Infrarot-Laser für die Hochenergie-Klasse High Energy Class Mid-Infrared Lasers (BMBF HECMIR) project.

The project is coordinated by OpTecBB, the Berlin-Brandenburg Competence Network for Optical Technologies. In addition to the Friedrich Schiller University Jena’s Institute of Optics and Quantum Electronics (IOQ) and the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) in Berlin, Lastronics GmbH from Jena and Crystal GmbH from Berlin are involved. Associated partners are the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ), Brilliance Fab Berlin GmbH, and JENOPTIK Diode Lab GmbH.

The partners are jointly developing a novel high-energy laser source for the MIR spectral range. In the joint project, a diode-pumped solid-state laser with a 1.9-µm wavelength is being developed to provide high laser energy in the joule range. This laser source offers high innovation potential for applications in the medical, material processing, and basic research fields.

“This will result in innovative processes, products, and services that open up new market potential, especially for the small- to medium-size enterprises involved,” said Frank Lerch, coordinator of HECMIR and managing director of the OpTecBB competence network.

The BMBF HECMIR project will be funded with almost €1.5 million ($1.8 million) for a period of three years under the KMU-NetC program.