Photonics Spectra Preview - January 2022

Lasers Drive eMobility Manufacturing

This article opens with a comparison of the materials used in electric vehicles vs classic combustion engine cars. Not surprisingly, copper parts have become much more prevalent as more EVs hit the road. That has shifted demand toward laser emitting nearer blue and green wavelengths where copper absorbs more strongly. The author links the demands of particular applications to the performance parameters of specific laser materials processing solutions.

Key Technologies: blue diode lasers, semiconductor lasers, IR lasers, NIR lasers

Optical Metasurfaces

Metamaterials rely on wavelength-scale features etched into optical surfaces to manipulate light similarly to a lens, coating, or grating, only with finer, and often tunable control. They are also much more compact and lightweight, and/or flat optics. The key challenge is designing, manufacturing, QC, and implementing these unique optics. Freebody talked to the key players to learn what's in store for these new optical elements.

Key Technologies: optical metamaterials, coatings

Scientific Imaging

Unlike industrial imaging, which is often shaped by the lowest cost viable solution, scientific imaging aims to capture single photons, hyperspectral data, or ultrafast events. Basically, they capture images at the extreme edges. Despite the lower emphasis on cost (scientific) CMOS sensors are the favored technology. This article provides a tour of the extreme boundaries of imaging, some tricks and trade-offs, and what's next for the technology.

Key Technologies: CMOS, sCMOS sensors (including back-side illuminated, and electron multiplying architectures), high-speed cameras, IR and SWIR sensors

Fiber Sensors

As the U.S. contemplates an update to its infrastructure, there is an opportunity for fiber optic sensors (FOS) to see a spike in adoption. In addition to monitoring the health of bridges, buildings, and pipelines, FOS are also instrumental in tracking chemical processes, oil/gas discovery and production, and other applications. This article updates readers on the state-of-the-art for these sensors and explores where and why the adoption of the technology is picking up.

Key Technologies: Fiber optic sensors for measuring acoustic, temperature, strain, pressure, vibration, and chemical concentrations. Sensor systems comprise fiber and LEDs/lasers, Fiber Bragg gratings

Quantum Technology

Most quantum technologies (QTs) are based on photonics. Thus, they require systems for the generation, manipulation, and detection of photons. Two authors from Fraunfofer Institute explain why glass materials and substrates could become instrumental in accelerating the manufacture and adoption of quantum technologies.

Key Technologies: optical fibers, integrated optics, (glass) planar waveguides

MIR Spectroscopy

This article explores why the abundance of unique and useful absorption bands in the MIR offers compelling opportunities for spectroscopy. The author will share some of the key applications and outline the technical challenges confronting those aiming to explore and compete in this growing spectroscopic range.

Key Technologies: MIR spectroscopy, quantum cascade lasers

Lidar Update

Lidar, time-of-flight imaging, diode lasers (specifically at 905-nm and 1550 nm), VCSELs, single-photon avalanche photodiodes