Laser Focus World’s Innovators Awards program celebrates the disparate and innovative technologies, products, and systems found in the photonics market.
Based on the impartial ratings by our judges, awards were assigned in four different levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—to companies or organizations that demonstrated excellence in a product or technology, an application, or in research and development.
Submissions were judged on originality; innovation; their impact on designers, systems integrators or users; whether they fulfilled a new market need; leveraged a novel technology and/or increased productivity.
Here in their own words, the 2021 group of honorees provides a look at where we stand on the leading edge of photonics products and applications.
2021 Innovators Awards: Platinum-level Honoree
TEST & MEASUREMENT | NED-LMD Waveguide Tester
This near-eye display light measurement device, dubbed the NED-LMD (U.S. Patent No. 10,257,509), completely characterizes augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality, and heads-up displays. The system quantifies user experience by emulating the human eye and conforming to the latest standards being developed by the IEC and Society of Information Display. Offering >250 pixels/degree imaging resolution, and the >180° diagonal device field of view required for adequately measuring waveguide image quality and coloration defects in different pointing directions, the tester’s wide dynamic range (0.05–10 million Nits) and integrated spectroradiometer provide accurate color measurements. The software delivers more than 20 optical design metrics, with complete test reports for each device under test. Gamma Scientific (San Diego, CA; gamma-sci.com)
2021 Innovators Awards: Gold-level Honorees
LASERS & SOURCES | ORPHEUS-MIR – Broad-Bandwidth Mid-IR Optical Parametric Amplifier
The ORPHEUS-MIR opens important and only partially explored regions of the mid-infrared (mid-IR) to spectroscopy applications. Targeted at state-of-the-art research facilities, the broadly tunable mid-IR laser source provides broad-bandwidth pulses in the 2500–10000 nm tuning range with a single laser source. The laser source uses a ytterbium-doped laser as the pump source and consists of a two-channel optical parametric amplifier followed by a noncollinear difference frequency generation (DFG) stage. With narrow-bandwidth extension up to 15000 nm, sub-100 fs pulses, and excellent short- and long-term stability, the device’s short pulse duration, high output stability, and broad spectral coverage make the laser source extremely appealing for various ultrafast applications. Light Conversion (Vilnius, Lithuania; lightcon.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | BeamRazor Series – LE02 Module
By combining a multiple-channel pulsed laser diode array or VCSEL array as the laser source and a set of micro-optics to generate a single and uniform line-shaped beam that will be aligned with a linear array of lidar detectors, the BeamRazor provides a very innovative solution to the challenges of designing and manufacturing lidar systems that meet automotive-grade reliability, performance, and cost targets. A highly collimated line laser beam with <0.15° divergence and various FOV options such as 11°, 20°, 25°, and 30°, the latest LE02 series generates laser power up to 600 W at 905 nm (near-infrared range) for a very short 5 ns pulse that enables a >150 m detection range and is realized with the latest GaN technology. Focuslight Technologies (Xi’an, China; focuslight.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | AFX-1000
Beam tuning within the optical fiber is an important advance for fiber lasers to enable increased productivity in laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing. By enabling the laser spot size and intensity profile to be tailored in real time, the AFX-1000 significantly reduces the cost of additively manufactured parts by increasing the L-PBF build rate by >7 X. With this advance, the productivity of L-PBF tools can rival that of high-speed binder jet tools while maintaining the material choices, part quality, and spatial resolution that can only be achieved by laser-based technologies. AFX-1000 capabilities have been demonstrated and quantified by multiple tool integrators and R&D organizations. nLight (Vancouver, WA; nlight.net)
INDUSTRIAL LASER SYSTEMS | CapStone PCB Laser Processing System
Instead of relying on mechanical galvanometer-based beam positioning from via to via, the CapStone system leverages acousto-optic deflector technology for beam placement and dynamic control of beam power at the work surface. Enabling high-quality via drilling, especially blind vias, at effectively twice the rate of galvanometer-based systems, the system reduces overall time required for processing flex materials in PCB production. Dynamic control of individual laser pulse placement and power minimizes heat-affected zones that cause defects, increasing yields. The continuous beam power adjustment applies the appropriate power to drill through individual layers of diverse material forming vias in multilayered material, while creating and refining vias in one pass. MKS Instruments (Beaverton, OR; mksinst.com)
TEST & MEASUREMENT | UP-QED High-Density Laser Power Detectors
By redistributing the laser’s power and energy in a larger volume using a proprietary diffusing absorber, the UP-QED series power detectors withstand tightly focused, high-energy lasers at high repetition rates and meet the increasing measurement demands related to applications for high-power pulsed lasers. A high damage threshold enables use directly in the laser beam’s path, even at the working point of high-intensity laser systems such as surface-enhancement systems, microfabrication, lithography, and semiconductor fabrication systems. The detector offers a wide range of measurable average power, from a few milliwatts to 300 W, and eliminates the need for beam expanders or optical samplers, making it simple for designers and manufacturers of laser systems to use and integrate. Gentec-EO (Quebec, Canada; gentec-eo.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | PowerBoost Multi-junction VCSEL
By using multi-junction technology, which includes two or more p-n junctions stacked on top of each other and separated by a tunnel junction, PowerBoost vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology improves power conversion efficiency up to 60% and enhances optical power. The product’s faster rise and fall times enable short pulse lengths, which are critical in time-of-flight (ToF) applications for reaching farther distances without compromising eye safety. Suitable for applications including consumer electronics, such as 3D cameras and facial recognition in mobile devices, as well as industrial applications like short-range lidar, machine vision, and robotics, the unrivaled efficiency is a major advantage for customers looking to reduce current and improve the modulation speed of their drivers. ams OSRAM (Novi, MI; osram-os.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | Dynamic Beam Laser
Dynamic Beam Lasers may lead to greatly improved welding feed rates and additive manufacturing speeds. Using the electro-optical effects for coherent beam combining (CBC) enables better control of weld parameters, keyhole stability, and weld spatter, enabling manufacturers to create more complex shapes. Overcoming traditional scanner speed limitations, this approach uses frequency changes to alter beam geometry in nanoseconds, providing a more flexible beam steering solution, and opening new possibilities in areas such as e-mobility and aerospace applications. Finally, this level of control offers focus steering in cutting or drilling applications by changing the focal point to provide a reduced heat-affected zone, increase power efficiencies, and provide greater control of the melt pool and overall laser process. Civan Advanced Technologies (Jerusalem, Israel; civanlasers.com)
TEST & MEASUREMENT | Kola Deep Spectral Measurement System
Capable of measuring deep blocking adjacent to steep edges, the Kola Deep Spectral Measurement System (SMS) uses its 0.3° cone-half angle and 2 mm diameter spot size to deliver extremely accurate thin film coating metrology in precision applications. With the ability to evaluate blocking to OD8+ across the UV, visible and near-infrared spectra, the proprietary system resolves edges steeper than 0.2% relative to edge wavelength from 90% transmission to beyond OD7, measuring with a precise angle of incidence at any angle from 0° to 60°. This is significant in applications where specifications are critical such as Raman spectroscopy, next-generation sequencing, spatial biology, and fluorescence imaging that rely on high-performance, thin-film, dielectric optical-filter coatings due to their high transmission, deep blocking, steep edges, and spectral complexity. IDEX Health & Science (West Henrietta, NY; idex-hs.com)
SPECTROSCOPY | Culpeo QCL-IR Liquid Analyzer
Until now, chemical identification of proteins and protein conjugates in aqueous environments has been an extreme challenge in the fingerprint region of the infrared (IR) spectrum. Due to limited detection and long sampling times with traditional spectrometers, scientists have historically relied on off-line techniques for characterization of analytes. Enabling the transition from off-line to on-line mid-IR measurements in a factory setting is a valuable attribute of this instrument. The Culpeo QCL-IR Analyzer surpasses the limit of detection commonly experienced with FTIR techniques and provides chemical information that is otherwise unobtainable by UV methods and allows scientists to rapidly and non-destructively obtain both qualitative and quantitative information of analytes in a flow separation. DRS Daylight Solutions (San Diego, CA; daylightsolutions.com)
2021 Innovators Awards: Silver-level Honorees
POSITIONING, SUPPORT, & ACCESSORIES| QuickPOZ Opto-mechanical Mounts for Robust Prototyping
QuickPOZ self-positioning optomechanical mounts enable rapid assembly of prototypes that will remain aligned under even the harshest operating and transport conditions. Mounts are designed to be operated in vibrational environments found in ground transport vehicles, while maintaining pointing stability under ±50 µrad. Each mount is located with high position repeatability using removable reference balls on INO’s special breadboard. These mounts integrate patent-pending technologies that enable users to position all optical components within ±0.050 mm @ 2 sigma of any mount assembled on the same breadboard in relation to the nominal optical axis. Alignment time is minimized because the mounts are automatically aligned once fixed to the breadboard. INO (Quebec, QC, Canada; ino.ca)
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT FOR PHOTONIC COMPONENTS | MRSI-H-TO
MRSI-H-TO is built based upon a new generation and the industry’s first 1.5 µm accuracy flexible high-speed die bonder platform for multi-dies and multiple-processes, targeting the new complex TO-CAN photonic devices volume manufacturing for the high-speed DCI and 5G wireless network rollout. A patent-pending advanced TO parallel handling module that includes a TO pick-and-place head and pre-positioning stage provides parallel processing between loading/unloading and eutectic bonding, maximizing throughput while maintaining flexibility for tool changes. Capable of handling and bonding multiple dies of distinct size and geometry without changeover within one machine, the system includes a 10–300 g force programmable bonding head. MRSI, Mycronic Group (Tewksbury, MA; mycronic.com)
INDUSTRIAL LASERS SYSTEMS | IceFyre 50 W Ultraviolet Picosecond Laser System
The IceFyre UV picosecond laser exploits fiber laser flexibility and power amplifier capability to enable programmable picosecond burst modes, providing precision pulse generation, including highly user-customizable burst mode shaping. An efficient and rugged infrared solid-state power amplifier builds seed pulses to substantial power and pulse energy levels while maintaining beam mode quality and stability. The advanced harmonic conversion technology converts the infrared laser energy to the ultraviolet wavelength. Providing >50 W of UV output power at 1.25 MHz (>40 μJ) with hundreds-of-microjoules pulse energies in burst mode, and pulse widths of 10 ps, the IceFyre 355-50 sets new standards in power and repetition rates from single shot to 10 MHz. MKS Spectra-Physics (Milpitas, CA; spectra-physics.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | iTemp Micro Pump
Providing a wide operating temperature range from -40° to 85°C, together with low power-consumption uncooled operation, the iTemp Micro Pump helps designers address new application spaces and lower power consumption targets. While maintaining wavelength locking and stability of the Fabry-Perot modes without the need for an internal cooler, the new module allows designers to develop compact optical amplifier solutions for deployment outside of the traditional temperature-controlled central office environment, including remote outside-plant and automotive lidar applications. The available output power range of up to 400 mW enables high power, high gain, single and multi-channel amplifiers to be developed for these applications. II-VI (Paignton, UK; ii-vi.com)
OPTICS | Ultra-Broadband Complementary Chirped Mirror Pairs
Sourcing high-precision ultrafast optics such as chirped mirror pairs often requires long-lead-time custom designs, which may be price-prohibitive for small quantities. Now, Ultra-Broadband Complementary Chirped Mirror Pairs are available globally in-stock for immediate shipping, reducing price and lead time for small quantities, which is especially important for quickly repairing broken systems, system prototyping, and quickening the pace of scientific discovery through research. Standard mirror pairs ranging from 600 to 1350 nm are ready for immediate shipping. The mirrors feature negative group delay dispersions (GDDs) as low as -60 fs2 and average reflectance of >99% for p-polarized light. Edmund Optics and UltraFast Innovations (Barrington, NJ; edmundoptics.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | MIRcat-QT Rapid-Scan, Ultra-Broadly Tunable Mid-IR Laser
Demanding mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy applications such as nanoscale and microscale chemical imaging benefit greatly from rapid, high signal-to-noise ratio data acquisition. Until now, mid-IR laser sources required compromises in beam quality and wavelength fidelity to achieve high scan speeds. The MIRcat-QT offers peak tuning speeds up to 30,000 cm-1/s for rapid data acquisition, enabling the most challenging mid-IR applications with a fast, broadly tunable quantum-cascade laser (QCL) engine. Fast tuning not only offers higher throughput of data, but also enables applications where there is limited time to capture data. Rapid measurements give researchers an advantage in applications from cancer research for fast screening of tissue biomarkers to spectroscopic measurements of hot gases. DRS Daylight Solutions (San Diego, CA; daylightsolutions.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | Broadband Polarization-Entangled Photon Source
This fiber-based device, dubbed Pearl, is a compact, robust, and alignment-free source of broadband polarization-entangled photon pairs. Based on periodically poled silica fiber (PPSF) technology, it features turnkey, room-temperature operation, and needs little maintenance. The all-fiber design makes it environmentally stable for challenging applications such as space-based instruments. It generates high-quality polarization-entangled photon pairs at telecom wavelengths with more than 80 nm of bandwidth. This ideal entanglement source has myriad applications in quantum information processing, quantum sensing, and wavelength-division multiplexing-based quantum key distribution networks. This unit comes with a high-quality polarization and frequency entanglement over a broad bandwidth covering C- and L- bands, and it can be customized for different wavelength band and degeneracy wavelength. OZ Optics Limited (Ontario, Canada; ozoptics.com)
SOFTWARE | Vision Inspection Pack (VIP) Software
VIP combines the performance of two unique image analysis systems into a single platform, offering a complete solution for backlit symbol inspection. By simultaneously performing photometric measurement and defect detection for efficient lab testing and production-level quality control, the platform provides manufacturers with a single camera/software system that evaluates all visual qualities of backlit components out of the box, with quantifiable and objective data, and easy integration into automated systems and inline quality control operations. The software combines photometric analysis and machine vision registration to enable defect detection in conjunction with absolute light and color measurement. Radiant Vision Systems (Redmond, WA; radiantvisionsystems.com)
INDUSTRIAL LASERS SYSTEMS | The “greener” green laser
In the effort to find more environmentally-friendly ways of producing energy, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of such green technologies remains significant. The >23% wall-plug efficiency and performance of this solid-state laser will help ensure sustainable and cost-effective photovoltaics manufacturing. The DX-532-65 high-repetition-rate green diode-pumped solid-state laser delivers as much as ~73 W of green (532 nm) optical output power while only consuming ~320 W of electrical power from the outlet in the wall. Such energy efficiency is delivered while also delivering 30 ns @ 400 kHz pulse width, at up to 1 MHz repetition rates (the highest repetition rate a Q-switched laser can go) all in a small, compact package. Photonics Industries (Ronkonkoma, NY; photonix.com)
OPTICS | Negligible Thermal Lensing Ultrafast Mirrors
Readily available, these mirrors enable ultrafast laser designers to create high-power lasers while avoiding the detrimental effects resulting from thermal lensing. This technology benefits both intracavity mirrors and optics used outside of the laser cavity, such as those in high-energy ultrafast oscillators and amplifiers. External dispersive mirrors with thermal lensing-limiting technology offer high degree of control over beam stability and pulse compression while minimizing detrimental thermal effects. beyond the negligible thermal effects, these mirrors also feature a highly-negative group delay dispersion up to -1000 fs2 and low loss with a minimum reflectivity >99.5% across a 50 nm bandwidth, allowing them to efficiently compress pulse durations in high-power ultrafast systems. Edmund Optics and UltraFast Innovations (Barrington, NJ; edmundoptics.com)
LASERS & SOURCES | LaserLight Fiber Coupled SMD
The FC-SMD module efficiently couples 400 lumens of diffuse white light with a high-brightness, 5-mm bending radius, 1.2-mm-diameter side-emitting fiber optic. The FC-SMD module also couples light into small diameter transport fiber that can power a remote luminaire while keeping the source and electronics in a safe, serviceable location. Enabling remote lighting in small and hard-to-service areas, such as underwater with small optics and fixtures, the module makes possible fine form-factor, 6000 cd/m2 brightness with 1.3 mm width micro-reflector and uniform linear lighting of up to 5 m length per module. The W-IR system, from the same spot, couples efficient, safe transmission into the fiber to switch for white-light illumination and IR sensing, lidar, ranging, and LiFi communication up to 100 Gbit/s due to the dual laser switching speeds. Kyocera SLD Laser (Goleta, CA; kyocera-sldlaser.com)
TEST & MEASUREMENT | Benchtop Intelligent Optical Signal-To-Noise Ratio Generator (OSNR)
The Intelligent OSNR Generator allows users to inject a programmable level of noise into an optical signal, creating a precisely defined signal-to-noise ratio. All G settings can be controlled automatically with the user-friendly touch panel or computer interface. With a built-in bandwidth-adjustable tunable filter, the wavelength can be selected to be any channel within the ITU 50G Grid or any other ITU Grid. Capable of operating over a wide bandwidth range from 25G up to 400G, the instrument has a built-in tunable optical filter with the option for the user to use their own optical filter. The instrument comes with GPIB, USB, and Ethernet interfaces, allowing it to be controlled by a computer, for automated testing of systems or devices. OZ Optics Limited (Ontario, Canada; ozoptics.com)
FIBER OPTICS | 2 μm High Power Isolator Series
This series of isolators minimizes thermally induced performance degradation at high power levels caused by intrinsic absorption of the optical materials. Operating at 1900 to 2100 nm in wavelength, the series includes a 50 W In-Line Isolator suitable for 2 μm polarization-insensitive fiber amplifiers and fiber laser systems, and a 100 W Fiber to Free-Space Isolator suitable for fiber laser and instrumentation applications. Both tout low insertion loss, high isolation, high power handling, high return loss, and excellent environmental stability and reliability. These isolators are ideal choices for both fiber oscillators and fiber lasers of the MOPA architecture. Advanced Fiber Resources (Zhuhai) Ltd. (Guangdong, China; fiber-resources.com)
2021 Innovators Awards: Bronze-level Honorees
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT FOR PHOTONIC COMPONENTS | 8303 Series Automated Vacuum Pressure Soldering System
The high-power industrial laser market needs high-reliability semiconductor packaging with a low failure rate. To address this specific market need, the SST 8303 Series automated vacuum pressure soldering system sets new industry standards for flux-less soldering by providing highly reliable and reproducible solder interfaces using a precise combination of vacuum and gas pressure. Featuring conveyor belts and a Cartesian gantry, the system provides high-volume, highly reliable packages through precise control of the soldering process. Available with a single or triple chamber, the system allows for heating up to 500°C and fast cooling in an inert gas environment from vacuum levels below 50 millitorr to pressures up to 40 psig. Palomar Technologies (Carlsbad, CA; palomartechnologies.com)
OPTICS | High Speed Electro-Optics Polarization Controller-Scrambler (EOPC)
In fiber-optic communication, sensing systems, optical imaging, and security, many devices, such as 100 Gbit/s coherent detection systems, interferometers, and electro-optic modulators, are sensitive to polarization-related impairments due to internally and externally induced birefringence. By implementing an innovative electro-optical crystal, the EOPC will help developers overcome polarization-related impairments in optical fiber links and meet the stringent requirements of modern applications, such as resolving high-speed optical signals to produce high-resolution images in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems. Providing a simple, efficient means to quickly manipulate the state of polarization by applying an external voltage, the device can be offered with 2, 3, or 4 independent channels. OZ Optics Limited (Ontario, Canada; ozoptics.com)
MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT FOR PHOTONIC COMPONENTS | Palomar 8100 Wire Bonder
The 8100 wire bonder is a fully automated, thermosonic high-speed ball-and-stitch wire bonder capable of ball bumping and customized looping profiles. Based on proven wire bonder design, it incorporates the latest productivity technology and motion control, software, operator ergonomics, and user experience. An optimized wire-feed path provides faster loading and full view of the wire during operation, and all user interaction points are comfortably within operator reach. Suitable for LED arrays and optoelectronic packaging, the system offers optimum performance for applications with tight spaces, fragile surfaces, flip-chip, deep-access cavities and provides excellent material flexibility. Palomar Technologies (Carlsbad, CA; palomartechnologies.com)
