'COLMIR' - Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser Module with collimated beam using micromachined microoptical elements

• Forschungsstelle: INNOSUISSE
• Projektnummer: 12014.1;3 PFNM-NM
• Projekttitel Englisch: 'COLMIR' - Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser Module with collimated beam using micromachined microoptical elements.

Kurzbeschreibung (Deutsch)

'COLMIR' - Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser Module with collimated beam using micromachined microoptical elements

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

'COLMIR' - Mid-Infrared Quantum Cascade Laser Module with collimated beam using micromachined microoptical elements.

Abstract (Deutsch)

The R&D efforts focused at the development of mid-infrared sources and detectors in the last decade brought several technological breakthroughs like Quantum cascade (QC) lasers or QC detectors. It has opened new prospects for revolutionizing of ultra-high sensitivity chemical and biomedical sensors. One of the reasons for low proliferation of mid-infrared concepts in technology is the delay in the development of optimum passive optical elements. They are necessary for efficient manipulation of the generated (or detected) mid infrared light. In the COLMIR project a consortium of EPFL and two industrial partners, proposes the development of passive optical elements tailored to QC lasers In the framework of COLMIR project. The project will lead to the development of (1) novel refractive collimating elements and (2) Binary Coded Artificial Materials (BCAM) suitable for cost effective mass production of collimating and beam shaping elements. An easy integration with mid-infrared sources and detectors (or detectors arrays) is stressed. The development of the BCAMs will create a platform for realization of novel structures which will be valorized in completely different areas of mid-infrared optics like photonic crystal, super-prisms, as well as meta-materials.

Abstract (Englisch)

The R&D efforts focused at the development of mid-infrared sources and detectors in the last decade brought several technological breakthroughs like Quantum cascade (QC) lasers or QC detectors. It has opened new prospects for revolutionizing of ultra-high sensitivity chemical and biomedical sensors. One of the reasons for low proliferation of mid-infrared concepts in technology is the delay in the development of optimum passive optical elements. They are necessary for efficient manipulation of the generated (or detected) mid infrared light. In the COLMIR project a consortium of EPFL and two industrial partners, proposes the development of passive optical elements tailored to QC lasers In the framework of COLMIR project. The project will lead to the development of (1) novel refractive collimating elements and (2) Binary Coded Artificial Materials (BCAM) suitable for cost effective mass production of collimating and beam shaping elements. An easy integration with mid-infrared sources and detectors (or detectors arrays) is stressed. The development of the BCAMs will create a platform for realization of novel structures which will be valorized in completely different areas of mid-infrared optics like photonic crystal, super-prisms, as well as meta-materials.