Robot System Enhances Laser Diode Manufacturing

A robotic system developed by Scotland-based thin-film coatings and photonics company Helia Photonics, in collaboration with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), greatly enhances the production of laser diode components used for medical diagnostics, vision systems for self-driving vehicles, aviation, space, and forensic science.

In application, the “HelBot” system enhanced production yields by close to 2000% and cut production time by 4000%.

Traditionally, laser diodes are manufactured in wafer form and then separated into bars that must be coated to increase performance and lifetime. The bars are processed in batches, having been positioned by hand, which may result in breakages and loss because the bars are thinner than a human hair and extremely delicate.

Helia Photonics, in collaboration with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), has developed a robotic system that greatly enhances the production of laser diode components used for medical diagnostics, vision systems for self-driving vehicles, aviation, space and forensic science. Courtesy of UWS.

To address the problem, Helia Photonics and UWS launched a collaboration through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which is a program through Innovate UK. The academic team consisted of Luc Rolland and Parag Vichare, from the UWS School of Computing, Engineering, and Physical Sciences; and Des Gibson, director of the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors, and Imaging.

The project received the highest grade of Outstanding by the independent KTP Grading Panel. Additionally, the project earned KTP associate Daniel Melia a nomination in the Future Innovator category of the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, which will be held in March 2022.