Photonics Spectra Preview - March 2023

Supercontinuum Lasers

Technically complex, costly, and delicate to operate, supercontinuum generation is no easy endeavor. But its unique optical properties and efficient illumination combined with incremental advances in technology have further fueled demand for these sources in applications ranging from spectroscopy, frequency comb generation, and quantum computing. Contributing editor Marie Freebody surveys supercontinuum suppliers, integrators and even start-ups to learn what's evolving.

Key Technologies: Supercontinuum lasers, fluoride glass fiber optics, femtosecond lasers, high-res spectroscopy, optical frequency combs, optical clocks, quantum computers

Metalenses

With its application in smartphone cameras, metalens technology has fully evolved from compelling research concept to a high-volume commercial enterprise. How quickly these flat optical elements are further adopted depends largely on how efficiently they can be produced in high-yield lithography processes for other end markets like automotive and AR/VR. James Schlett reports on the current state of the art and reviews the manufacturing methods that will help accelerate future adoption.

Key Technologies: metalenses, optical assemblies, time-of-flight imagers/sensors for 3D sensing, AR/VR, lidar, advanced driver assistance

Gas Analysis

Tighter regulations on greenhouse gases and worker safety, as well as demands from oil & gas exploration, are increasing demand for real-time gas detection and analysis tools - an application in which photonics has long excelled. Hank Hogan looks under the hood of various gas detection modalities to review the current generation of light sources, detectors, and system designs and asks suppliers and end-users what technical developments might improve the sensitivity, footprint, and precision of these instruments.

Key Technologies: Absorption spectroscopy using quantum cascade lasers or MIR LEDs. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (also QCL based). Mid-IRdetectors (InGaSb or InAs/InasSb), cavity ringdown spectroscopy.

Laser Power Supplies

Lasers are used for precision processes that require reliable and responsive sources of coherent light. This light can be activated through various means, but a dependable, responsive power supply is integral to all of them. ABB Power Conversion's Gopal Mitra outlines the critical influence that power sources have on industrial applications, and examines the key features these sources must deliver.

Key Technologies: Pulsed lasers, laser power supplies

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