A team led by researcher Meng Bo at the Changchun Institute of Optics and Mechanics published a paper in Light: Science & Applications proposing a multistate-to-continuum (MTC) active-region design based on diagonal transitions, and used MOCVD to grow a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser with a single active region and an ultrabroad gain spectrum.
Why we recommend it: The diagonal-transition design from multiple states to continuum states lets several transition channels contribute gain simultaneously. The original text gives lasing spectral widths of 1.2 µm at room temperature and 1.93 µm at 80 K, directly relevant to applications such as mid-infrared frequency combs.
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Hangzhou Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics · Recent HighlightsOptics industryPicksAI score5959
The Russell Advanced Lightwave Science Center at the Hangzhou Institute of Optics and Mechanics, together with the Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study of UCAS, the Shanghai Institute of Optics and Mechanics, and IRFIBER (Ningbo) Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., published a paper in Optica on delivering near-watt, hundred-femtosecond mid-infrared pulses in the 2.8 µm band through a 5 m-long hollow-core photonic crystal fiber with a single-core, eight-ring structure. After evacuation, overall efficiency exceeded 70%, the output was a near-diffraction-limited Gaussian spot, and the fundamental-mode energy fraction exceeded 95%.
Why we recommend it: The paper gives efficiency, pulse duration, peak power and fundamental-mode fraction, and compares the fiber with free-space optics and solid-core fluoride fiber, making it easier to judge the applicability of hollow-core fiber to mid-infrared ultrafast delivery.
Aio Optics has introduced the SpectrumShaper-R4 series spectral broadening module, extending the broadening range from 1-30 GHz to 1-80 GHz. An integrated single-frequency seed source is available as an option, and the built-in spectral profiles and software interaction have been optimized. Aimed at high-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers, the module controls the seed spectrum through electro-optic phase modulation of an RF signal to suppress nonlinear effects during amplification.
Why we recommend it: Changes in the broadening range and integrated seed-source options correspond to specific design requirements for narrow-linewidth fiber lasers, useful for comparing trade-offs between spectral control and full-system integration.
A team led by Professor Luo Sida at Beihang University has developed a fabrication method for laser-induced graphene smart honeycombs with designable structures, allowing control of cell size, shape and graphene clusters. The process combines graphene paper, polyurethane film lamination and resin impregnation and curing, producing structures of about 150×100×10 mm3 and honeycombs with cell sizes from 2 mm to 5 mm. The team also explored applications of a wing-section model in anti-icing and de-icing, pressure sensing and electromagnetic shielding.
Why we recommend it: Linking laser processing parameters, honeycomb geometry and resin content to performance control offers a process approach for transferring 2D material processing to customizable 3D structures.
A team at the Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a theoretical model for PML-SRLs, revealing that operating states are governed by the temporal balance of gain and loss. The model combines time-domain traveling-wave equations with partial differential equations for carrier density, examining the relationship among SOA carrier accumulation rate, SA carrier lifetime and ring-cavity round-trip time. The work, published in Optics Express, also found that an SOA with a narrow gain spectrum and a short resonator configuration can merge output pulses to yield high-energy optical pulses.
Why we recommend it: Putting gain, absorber and cavity round-trip time into a unified dynamic model offers transferable design insight for understanding mode-locking states and pulse merging in semiconductor ring cavities.
Focuslight, Synopsys, AMS Technologies and Oxford Instruments announced or completed acquisitions in early 2024, covering micro- and nano-optics, simulation software, laser systems and scientific cameras. Focuslight completed the acquisition of 100% of the equity in SMO for EUR 75.5405 million, while Synopsys plans to acquire Ansys for $35 billion, a deal still subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. AMS Technologies acquired neoLASE, and Oxford Instruments acquired First Light Imaging.
Why we recommend it: The four deals respectively add device manufacturing, simulation software, laser system and scientific imaging capabilities, useful for comparing different paths optics companies take to expand through acquisitions.
Focuslight addresses Mini and Micro LED process challenges through laser mass transfer, mass welding and chip repair, with key factors being spot control, energy uniformity and closed-loop temperature control. The Flux H system for mass welding uses a 4000-10000W, 976nm light source, with spot length and width adjustable in segments from 2 mm to 200 mm and energy uniformity above 97%. The Flux H system for chip repair uses a 30-150W, 976nm light source, with a 365um×105um spot and energy uniformity above 90%.
Why we recommend it: Mapping mass transfer, welding and repair to spot and thermal management requirements provides a concrete method for working backward from display manufacturing bottlenecks to laser system design parameters.