<p id="isPasted">3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is transforming industrial production by enabling faster, more flexible, and cost-efficient manufacturing. It builds parts directly from digital designs, reducing the need for complex tooling and cutting both time and costs.</p><h2 id="isPasted">Key 3D Printing Techniques</h2><p>Different 3D printing techniques are utilized in industrial manufacturing, each suited for specific materials and applications. Below is a short summary of each method. </p><h3>Stereolithography (SLA)</h3><p>Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to solidify photosensitive resin layers, producing high-resolution prototypes. Ultraviolet (UV) LEDs have recently replaced lasers, offering greater efficiency. </p><h3>Selective Laser Melting (SLM)</h3><p>Selective Laser Melting (SLM) employs a laser to fuse metal or plastic powders, creating durable and complex parts. SLM is ideal for applications requiring high precision and strength, often used in the aerospace and medical sectors where safety and performance are critical.</p><h3>Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)</h3><p>Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to sinter plastic, metal, or ceramic powders into solid parts. Unlike SLM, which fully melts the material, SLS heats the powder to the point of fusion, making it ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts that require durability. </p><h3>Binder Jetting</h3><p>Binder Jetting works by spraying a binding agent onto layers of powder material to create solid objects. This method is particularly effective for producing large, complex parts, when intricate geometries are required. </p><h3>Directed Energy Deposition (DED)</h3><p>Directed Energy Deposition (DED) utilizes focused energy sources, such as lasers, to melt and fuse material as it is deposited onto a substrate. DED is often used to repair existing parts or add material to create complex structures. </p><h3>Laser-Assisted Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)</h3><p>Laser-assisted Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) combines traditional FDM printing with lasers to improve precision and material bonding during printing. This method is often used for prototyping and small batch production and allows a wider range of materials to be used, including specialized composites.</p><h2>Hamamatsu Photonics' Role in Improving the Future of 3D Printing</h2><p>Photonics is advancing 3D printing by enabling ultra-precise, high-speed manufacturing. Light-based techniques like two-photon polymerization, upconversion nanoparticles, and multi-photon lithography allow printing of complex structures at resolutions down to 100 nanometers, expanding the capabilities of additive manufacturing.</p><p>Hamamatsu Photonics, a leader in optical components, is enabling development of high resolution 3D printing solutions through its industrial cameras, process monitoring technologies, beam shaping solutions and light sources.</p><p>Key technologies include:</p><h3>Spatial light modulators: LCOS-SLM </h3><p>LCOS Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs) from Hamamatsu Photonics are known for their high laser damage threshold. As a result, LCOS-SLMs can split a powerful laser beam into multiple beams, each of which is capable of simultaneous 3D printing. This capability not only improves throughput but also allows better printing quality while using less number of lasers. The result is the creation of complex metal parts without tooling or molds, reducing lead times, material waste, and assembly steps—while maintaining mechanical performance comparable to traditional methods</p><h3>Benefits of Hamamatsu’s LCOS-SLM X15213 series:</h3><ul><li><p> Wide wavelengths: 400 to 2050 nm</p></li><li><p>Laser power handling up to 750 W (in the spectral window 1000-1100 nm)</p></li><li><p>High light utilization efficiency</p></li><li><p>High-precision, high-linearity modulation characteristics for a specific wavelength</p></li><li><p>High diffraction efficiency</p></li></ul><h2>UV-LED light sources</h2><p>Compact and powerful UV LEDs (280–405 nm) deliver precise resin curing for consistent layer solidification. Dual-wavelength output (365 nm &amp; 280 nm) enhances curing efficiency and material performance.</p><h3>Benefits of Hamamatsu’s UV-LED technology:</h3><ul><li><p>Excellent 3D printing quality</p></li><li><p>Guaranteed structural integrity of the part</p></li><li><p>Reduced heat generation</p></li></ul><h2>Semiconductor lasers: SPOLD®</h2><p>Compact, fiber-coupled lasers with customizable beam profiles for targeted energy delivery. Ideal for 3D printing and related processes like polymer welding and metallic ink sintering.</p><h3>Benefits of Hamamatsu’s SPOLD:</h3><ul><li><p>Wide power range from 9W to 360W with several wavelengths </p></li><li><p>'Top hat beam profile' for uniform intensity distribution </p></li><li><p>Compact, customizable, easy to operate and equipped with in-built temperature monitoring</p></li></ul><p>NIR semiconductor lasers offer promising developments in 3D printing. In addition to the benefits stated above, they can initiate cross-linking directly at the focal point, showcasing the potential for low-cost direct laser writing in volume and 3D printing. NIR lasers can also be integrated into ink-based 3D printing technologies to solidify filaments with diameters up to 4 mm, surpassing the limitations of UV-based curing in terms of range and intensity.</p><h2>Conclusion: The Future of 3D Printing in Industrial Equipment</h2><p>3D printing has the potential to significantly transform industrial manufacturing. This technology enables the creation of innovative designs, minimizes waste, and enhances efficiency. With the ongoing advancements in materials and technology, combined with the essential contributions of Hamamatsu Photonics in enhancing the precision and quality of 3D printing, the future of industrial equipment manufacturing looks promising and tailored to meet specific needs.</p><h1>References</h1><p>[1]  Q. Zhang, A. Boniface, V. K. Parashar, and C. Moser, "Multiphoton polymerization using upconversion nanoparticles for adaptive high-resolution 3D printing," vol. 12433, pp. 124330C-124330C, 2023, doi: 10.1117/12.2650323.</p><p>[2] "Multi-photon polymerization using upconversion nanoparticles for tunable feature-size printing," 2022, doi: 10.48550/arxiv.2211.01437.</p><p>[3] "Micro‐Optics 3D Printed via Multi‐Photon Laser Lithography (Advanced Optical Materials 1/2023)," Adv. Opt. Mater., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 2370001-2370001, 2023, doi: 10.1002/adom.202370001.</p><p>[4] Lovera, M. O. Giacone, C. G. E. Alfieri, E. Casamenti, and R. Ferrini, "3D printing of glass micro-devices for integrated photonics and miniaturized optics," 2023, doi: 10.1117/12.2649093.</p><p>[5] Hamamatsu Photonics, "3D Printing," Hamamatsu Photonics.</p>

Photonics is advancing 3D printing by enabling ultra-precise, high-speed manufacturing.

Photonics-Enhanced 3D Printing: Advancing Precision in Industrial Manufacturing

<p>Hamamatsu Photonics has developed a new product that addresses the growing need for precise beam-shaping solutions in the 1850-2050 nm spectral range: the LCOS-SLM X15213-19 <sup>[1]</sup>. This Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator (LCOS-SLM) is engineered to meet the demands of advanced laser applications, offering a new level of control and efficiency.</p><h2>Optimized for Thulium lasers</h2><p>The development of the LCOS-SLM X15213-19 was motivated by the increasing use of Thulium fiber lasers, which are valued for their high beam quality and compact design. Operating within the same spectral window, this LCOS-SLM is optimized to interact seamlessly with Thulium lasers, making it highly effective for applications that require precise beam shaping. </p><h3>Applications in material processing and medical technology</h3><p>One of the key applications of the LCOS-SLM X15213-19 is in material processing. The ability to actively shape laser beams enhances processing efficiency by enabling simultaneous multi-point operations. This capability can significantly improve throughput in manufacturing processes. In the field of medical technology, particularly in laser surgery, beam shaping offers substantial benefits. For instance, its application in ophthalmic surgery with lasers operating around 1050 nm has enhanced patient outcomes by improving the precision of laser treatments and reducing operating times. Similarly, Thulium and Holmium lasers, used in other types of surgical procedures, can also benefit from the beam-shaping capabilities of the LCOS-SLM X15223-19L/R. </p><h3>LCOS-SLM technical overview</h3><p>The LCOS-SLM X15223-19L/R is built on a sophisticated liquid crystal layer controlled by a 2D  array of 1272 x 1024 pixels. Each pixel independently modulates the phase of light reflecting from its position by manipulating the orientation of liquid crystals above it. As a result, complex 3D beam shapes can be formed using digital signals to the LCOS-SLM. The device can be further optimized for a specific spectral window in several ways. For example, high reflectivity coatings are used for the target spectral window to improve light utilization efficiency and to reduce residual heat generated in the LCOS. The phase retardation induced by liquid crystals for the given spectral window is calibrated for the user’s convenience, making it an ideal tool for researchers and engineers working with high-quality laser systems in this domain.</p><h2>A step forward in beam shaping technology</h2><p><a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/eu/en/product/optical-components/lcos-slm/specific_wavelength_type/X15213-19.html">Hamamatsu’s LCOS-SLM X15213-19</a> represents a significant advancement in beam-shaping technology for the 2 µm spectral region. By providing enhanced control over laser beam profiles, this device opens up new possibilities in both industrial and medical applications. To learn more about LCOS-SLM or the lower-cost OEM version of this LCOS-SLM: the X15223-19, please contact us for more details. info@hamamatsu.eu.</p><h3>References</h3><p>[1] LCOS-SLM (Optical Phase Modulator) X15213-19 | Hamamatsu Photonics, 2024: www.hamamatsu.com/eu/en/product/optical-components/ lcos-slm/specific_wavelength_type/X15213-19.html </p>

Hamamatsu Photonics has developed a new product that addresses the growing need for precise beam-shaping solutions in the - nm spectral range.

Advancing Beam Shaping in the  µm Spectral Window

<h2 id="isPasted">Introduction</h2><p>With the increasing use of digital devices, eye care has become a critical health priority due to issues like digital eye strain, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. In response, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has emerged as a vital tool in ophthalmology, enabling clinicians to capture high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina and other ocular structures. OCT's non-invasive imaging aids in the early detection and management of eye conditions that traditional methods, like fundoscopy, often miss. This technology allows for precise analysis of the retina and optic nerve, helping diagnose conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration before symptoms appear, making it indispensable in both clinical and research settings.</p><h2>The Role of Mirrors in OCT Systems</h2><p>OCT imaging relies on mirrors to direct and focus light onto the eye's internal structures, essential for obtaining comprehensive 2D or 3D images. Piezoelectric mirrors, known for precision, struggle with manufacturing large 2D linear mirrors, limiting their application in broader scans. Electrostatic mirrors, though efficient and precise, face challenges in scaling to larger sizes. However, they remain popular due to their ability to produce high-quality images. Electromagnetic mirrors, capable of being produced in larger sizes, offer a promising solution, enhancing OCT systems' capability to capture larger retinal or optic nerve areas, thus improving diagnostic accuracy and providing detailed images, especially in advanced eye conditions.</p><h3>Scanner Requirements for Effective OCT Imaging</h3><p>OCT scanners must meet specific requirements to deliver accurate, detailed images. Key features include 2D scanning capability for capturing cross-sectional images of the retina, essential for detecting conditions like macular edema or glaucoma. The scanner should have an adjustable scanning angle for versatile imaging of different eye regions. Fast scanning speed is crucial for broad-area scans, improving patient comfort and operational efficiency. Large mirror sizes ensure proper focus and light precision, covering wider areas for accurate diagnosis. These features enable OCT systems to provide comprehensive imaging, vital for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.</p><h3>Trends in OCT Instrumentation</h3><p>The landscape of OCT technology is evolving to cater to different healthcare settings, reflecting the diverse needs of patients and healthcare providers. High-end OCT machines are typically found in university hospitals, where they provide advanced diagnostic capabilities for in-depth examination of complex eye conditions. These systems are equipped with cutting-edge mirror technologies and fast scanners to ensure high-resolution imaging, enabling clinicians to detect subtle changes in the retinal layers that could indicate the early stages of diseases such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.</p><p>On the other hand, middle-end machines are available in clinics, offering reliable diagnostic tools for general practitioners. These systems provide good-quality imaging but at a more affordable cost. The performance of middle-end machines is sufficient for routine eye exams and monitoring patients with less complex conditions. In contrast, low-end OCT machines are becoming increasingly common in optician offices or community health centres. These compact and affordable systems facilitate quick, preliminary eye exams and screen for common eye conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. They offer an alternative for patients who may not have access to high-end machines, ensuring that basic eye care is available to a broader population.</p><p>The ultimate goal of this trend is to make eye care more accessible by deploying numerous low-cost, small machines in various locations. This widespread availability of OCT systems ensures that individuals can undergo basic eye exams, increasing the likelihood of early detection of potential issues. The portability and affordability of modern OCT systems make this technology essential for preventive eye care, allowing earlier detection and treatment of vision-threatening conditions. </p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>As digital screen usage continues to rise, the demand increases for effective eye care solutions for everyone. OCT stands at the forefront of this transformation by offering a non-invasive, precise method for monitoring and diagnosing eye conditions. Advances in mirror technologies and scanning capabilities continuously enhance OCT systems' performance, enabling higher-resolution imaging and faster scanning speeds. The trend toward more affordable and portable OCT machines ensures that eye care remains available to a broader population, facilitating early intervention and better management of ocular health. With these advancements, OCT technology is poised to play an even more significant role in global eye health care in the future.</p><h3>References</h3><ol><li><p>Huang, D., Swanson, E. A., Lin, C. P., et al. (1991). Optical coherence tomography. Science, 254(5035), 1178–1181. </p></li><li><p>Izatt, J. A., Choma, M. A., &amp; Dhalla, A. H. (2015). Theory of Optical Coherence Tomography. In W. Drexler &amp; J. G. Fujimoto (Eds.), Optical Coherence Tomography (pp. 47–66). Springer. </p></li><li><p>Zara, J. M., Yazdanfar, S., Rao, K. D., Izatt, J. A., &amp; Smith, S. W. (2003). "Electrostatic micromachine scanning mirror for optical coherence tomography." Optics Letters, 28(8), 628-630.</p></li><li><p>Wax, A. (2020). "Applications of Low Cost Optical Coherence Tomography." Biophotonics Congress: Biomedical Optics 2020 (Translational, Microscopy, OCT, OTS, BRAIN), 59(5), OM2E.2.</p></li></ol>

The increasing use of digital screens has heightened the importance of eye health globally. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) offers a non-invasive method to monitor eye conditions.

OCT Imaging: Enhancing Eye Care with Advanced Technologies

<p id="isPasted">Industrial emissions significantly contribute to climate change, prompting global regulatory pressure for cleaner practices. This article discusses photonics-based gas detection, highlighting how advanced infrared sensors and emitters support emission monitoring and leak detection, enabling industries to comply with regulations and reduce their environmental impact.</p><h2>Industrialization and Its Environmental Cost</h2><p id="isPasted">Industrialization has brought global economic growth, but led to high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Key industrial sectors like power generation, chemical production, and cement manufacturing emit large volumes of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, contributing significantly to climate change.</p><p>According to the EDGAR 2024 database and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), direct industrial emissions amounted to approximately 11,408 million tons of CO₂ equivalent (Mt CO₂e) in 2023. This represents about 21.5% of global GHG emissions, excluding land use and forestry. When indirect emissions from electricity used in industry are included, the sector's share rises to nearly 31%. 1</p><p>Industrial emissions are often continuous and centralized, so they can accumulate rapidly and affect regional and global climate patterns. They can also cause global temperature increases, melting polar ice, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and hurricanes. These emissions' high volume and persistence make them challenging to mitigate without systemic change.</p><h3>Regulatory Pressure to Cut Emissions</h3><p id="isPasted">In response to the climate emergency, governments worldwide enforce stricter environmental regulations to reduce industrial emissions and promote cleaner technologies. These measures are designed to mitigate global warming and to build resilience against its impacts. Many countries have implemented updated climate laws, carbon taxes, and mandatory reporting requirements to drive industry transition toward cleaner alternatives.</p><p>For instance, China aims to raise non-fossil fuel consumption to 20% by 2025, targeting a 130 million tonne CO₂ reduction over 2024–2025. 2 Similarly, the EU's "Fit for 55" package mandates a 55% GHG cut by 2030 versus 1990 levels. Three such policies drive industries to adopt real-time emission monitoring technologies like advanced gas detection sensors. </p><h2>Photonics: A Technological Solution for Emission Monitoring</h2><p>Industries need highly sensitive, accurate, and rapid gas detection systems to comply with the demanding regulatory standards. Photonics-based gas detection offers non-contact, real-time analysis of a variety of gases. These systems rely on the interaction of light with gas molecules, using absorption or emission spectroscopy to identify and quantify specific gases. Continuous monitoring via these sensors provides industries with the data needed to detect leaks and adjust processes. This enables industries to measure emissions, comply with regulations, and reduce their carbon footprint.  </p><p>Hamamatsu Photonics: A Leader in Infrared Detection</p><p id="isPasted">Hamamatsu is a leading provider of a wide range of advanced infrared detection technologies. Hamamatsu offers a comprehensive lineup of indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiodes and image sensors engineered for high-speed, high-sensitivity, and low-noise detection in the near-infrared spectrum, with spectral responses ranging from 0.5 μm to 2.6 μm, ideal to detect the strongest absorption peaks of the main GHGs. Their compact, integrated designs—sometimes combining photodiodes with ICs for digital output—enable precise, real-time monitoring in industrial environments. 4</p><p>Similarly, Hamamatsu's indium arsenide antimonide (InAsSb) detectors for mid-infrared applications deliver high sensitivity at key atmospheric absorption bands—5 μm, 8 μm, and 11 μm. In these wavelength ranges, the absorption peaks of GHG such as Methane and Carbon Dioxide are well spaced, allowing for a measurement with high gas selectivity. Hamamatsu’s latest models, such as the P16702-011MN, feature built-in preamplifiers for improved signal amplification and seamless integration, compact form factors, and fast response times up to 100 MHz. These detectors are valuable for portable gas analyzers,  allowing immediate on-site analysis of industrial exhaust gases. Moreover, InAsSb also provides a RoHS-compliant alternative to mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) detectors, which are restricted due to toxicity concerns. 5</p><p id="isPasted">Hamamatsu is one of few companies that manufacture both infrared photodetectors and light sources. Their QCLs and infrared LEDs integrate with detectors for high-speed, high-sensitivity measurements. Moreover, these emitters facilitate advanced spectroscopic techniques when paired with InAsSb detectors.</p><h1 id="isPasted">Applications for Emission Monitoring and Leak Detection</h1><p>Hamamatsu's infrared solutions are used in several critical applications that help industries meet environmental and safety goals. For instance, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems CEMS are a regulatory requirement in many countries for facilities that emit pollutants into the air. These systems continuously measure gas concentrations in exhaust stacks and flues to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. In this regard, Hamamatsu's infrared detectors are crucial in enabling multi-gas monitoring capabilities and accurate tracking of harmful emissions.</p><p>Similarly, Leak Detection and Repair LDAR programs are designed to detect and fix uncontrolled gas leaks before they become critical. Industries can quickly identify and localize leaks using laser scanning, optical gas imaging, and UAV-based (drone) monitoring technologies. Hamamatsu's sensors and emitters enhance the precision and range of these technologies, making leak detection more efficient and less labor-intensive.</p><h1>The Impact of Photonics on Environmental Sustainability</h1><p>Applying photonics technologies significantly impacts industries' ability to meet stringent environmental regulations and contribute to the fight against global warming. Photonics empowers industries to optimize their processes, reduce waste, and minimize their environmental impact by providing accurate and real-time data on gas emissions. This ultimately leads to a substantial reduction in GHG emissions, contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change and create a more sustainable future.   </p><h1>References</h1><p>1. Decoding Industrial Decarbonization. [Online] United Nations Industrial Development Organization. Available at: https://www.industrialenergyaccelerator.org/wp-content/uploads/Explainer-Brief_02_updated.pdf (Accessed on April 20, 2025)</p><p>2. China Announces Key Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reduction Targets and Actions for 2024-2025. (2024) [Online] Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (IGSD). Available at:  https://www.igsd.org/china-announces-key-energy-saving-and-carbon-reduction-targets-and-actions-for-2024-2025/ (Accessed on April 20, 2025)</p><p>3. The "Fit for 55" package — the EU's legislative package. [Online] VDA. Available at:  https://www.vda.de/en/topics/european-agenda/fit-for-55 (Accessed on April 20, 2025)</p><p>4. Infrared detectors. [Online] Hamamatsu. Available at: https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/product/optical-sensors/infrared-detector.html (Accessed on April 20, 2025)</p><p>5. InAsSb photovoltaic detector P16702-011MN. [Online] Hamamatsu. Available at: https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/product/optical-sensors/infrared-detector/inassb-photovoltaic-detector/P16702-011MN.html (Accessed on April 20, 2025)</p>

Advanced Infrared Technologies Enable Accurate Emission Monitoring and Support Industrial Climate Compliance

Greener Industry with Advanced Gas Detection

<p id="isPasted">Physicists in the <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/">Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences</a> (SEAS) have created a compact laser that emits extremely bright, short pulses of light in a useful but difficult-to-achieve wavelength range, packing the performance of larger photonic devices onto a single chip.</p><p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08853-y" target="_blank">Published in Nature</a>, the research is the first demonstration of an on-chip, picosecond, mid-infrared laser pulse generator that requires no external components to operate. The device can make what’s called an optical frequency comb, a spectrum of light consisting of equally spaced frequency lines (like a comb), used today in precision measurements. The new laser chip could one day speed the creation of highly sensitive, broad-spectrum gas sensors for environmental monitoring, or new types of spectroscopy tools for medical imaging.</p><p>The paper’s senior author is <a href="https://seas.harvard.edu/person/federico-capasso">Federico Capasso</a>, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics at SEAS and the Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering.  Supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, the research was a collaboration with the Schwarz group at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien); a consortium of Italian scientists led by Luigi A. Lugiato; and Leonardo DRS Daylight Solutions led by Timothy Day.</p><p>“This is an exciting new technology that integrates on-chip nonlinear photonics to generate ultrashort pulses of light in the mid-infrared; no such thing existed until now,” Capasso said. “What’s more, such devices can be readily produced at industrial laser foundries using standard semiconductor fabrication.”</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1745971877284-team.jpg" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span class="fr-inner">Members of the research team in the Capasso lab. An optical table contains the experimental setup for characterization of the integrated laser sources reported in the paper. The screen shows a microscope image of an active ring resonator based on quantum cascade lasers, used for the demonstration of bright solitons on a laser chip. From left: Dmitry Kazakov, Pawan Ratra, Theodore Letsou, Marco Piccardo, Federico Capasso. </span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">The mid-infrared is an invisible section of the electromagnetic spectrum that is leveraged today in environmental applications. Because many gas molecules like carbon dioxide and methane absorb mid-infrared light efficiently, this wavelength range has been an important tool in monitoring environmental gases, notably with quantum cascade laser technology that was pioneered by Capasso in the 1990s. </p><p>The new paper demonstrates a path to generating a broadband light source that could detect, for example, many different absorption fingerprints of gases in a single device.</p><p>“It’s a key step to creating what we call a supercontinuum source, which can generate thousands of different frequencies of light, all in one chip,” said Dmitry Kazakov, co-first author and research associate in Capasso’s group. “I think that’s a real possibility for the future of this platform.”</p><p>Fundamental to the new feat of nanophotonic engineering is the quantum cascade laser, which generates coherent beams of mid-infrared light by layering together different nanostructured semiconductor materials. Unlike other semiconductor lasers that have relied for decades on well-established techniques called mode-locking to generate their pulses, quantum cascade lasers remain notoriously difficult to pulse due to their inherently ultra-fast dynamics. Existing mid-infrared pulse generators based on quantum cascade lasers typically require complex setups to achieve pulsed emission as well as many discrete hardware components. They are also generally limited to a certain output power and spectral bandwidth.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1745971898717-mid_IR_device.png" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span class="fr-inner">Optical microscope image of the quantum cascade photonic integrated chip. Shown chip contains two identical devices each comprising four components: a Fabry-Perot drive laser, a waveguide coupler, a resistive heater, and a racetrack resonator. </span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">The new pulse generator seamlessly combines, into a single device, several concepts in nonlinear integrated photonics and integrated lasers to make specific types of picosecond light pulses called solitons. In designing their chip architecture, the researchers took inspiration from a seemingly unrelated type of light-modulating device called a Kerr microresonator. Their creative thinking allowed them to skirt traditional techniques, like mode-locking, for pulse generation.</p><p>“Our measurements were non-traditional when it came to quantum cascade laser research,” said co-first author Theodore Letsou, a graduate student at MIT and research fellow in Capasso’s group. “We merged two types of fields and took what the Kerr resonator community does and applied it to our systems. That was an exciting process.”</p><p>"For me, the most significant impact of our new work – beyond the impressive physics – is the confidence it has given us in fabricating and operating multicomponent architectures, which is a capability that had remained a major challenge in mid-infrared integrated photonics until now," said paper co-author Benedikt Schwarz, professor at TU Wien. “We’re already developing new architectures to enable functionalities previously thought impossible."</p><p>The researchers drew on a foundational theory published in the 1980s that established a framework for passive Kerr resonators. One of the new paper’s co-authors is Luigi Lugiato, who worked on repurposing his original equation to describe the dynamics of the mid-IR laser system.</p><p>“This is an exciting culmination of a journey that began with the Lugiato-Lefever equation,” said Lugiato, professor emeritus at University of Insubria, Italy. “What started as a model for passive systems has evolved into a unified framework for soliton frequency combs in all kinds of cavities. That path led us to predict solitons in optically driven quantum cascade lasers above threshold – now confirmed by this experiment.”</p><p>The new mid-infrared laser can reliably maintain pulse generation for hours at a time. Crucially, it can also be mass-produced using existing industrial fabrication processes, which could greatly increase the speed of its widespread adoption. The device is made of a ring resonator that can be externally driven; an on-chip laser that drives the ring resonator; and a second active ring resonator that acts as a filter. The chips were made at TU Wien.</p><p>“This technology promises to be a real game-changer in the field of mid-infrared spectroscopy,” said paper co-author Timothy Day, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS’ Daylight Solutions business unit. “The ability to leverage existing fabrication processes to produce these devices in commercial volumes could really enable what’s next in several markets, including environmental monitoring, industrial process control, life sciences research and medical diagnostics.”</p><p>The research is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ECCS2221715. Other sources of funding included the Department of Defense through the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program, and the European Research Council.</p><p>Harvard’s Office of Technology Development has protected the innovations associated with this research and is exploring commercial opportunities.  </p><p>Other co-authors of the paper are Marco Piccardo, Lorenzo L. Columbo, Massimo Brambilla, Franco Prati, Sandro Dal Cin, Maximilian Beiser, Nikola Opačak, Pawan Ratra, Michael Pushkarsky, and David Caffey.</p>

Single chip generates short bursts of light for sensing, spectroscopy

A compact, mid-infrared pulse generator

<p id="isPasted">This article explores how Hamamatsu's SiPMs significantly enhance LiDAR technology. It focuses on their impact on autonomous vehicles, drone navigation, and 3D mapping while highlighting their role in shaping the future of optical sensing.</p><h2>Fundamentals of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs)</h2><h3>Operational Principle of SiPM</h3><p>A Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) detects single photons through an array of microcells, each functioning as an avalanche photodiode (APD) in Geiger mode. The device is externally biased above its breakdown voltage (VBRV), with the overvoltage (ΔV=VBIAS−VBR) as the primary control parameter. </p><p>When absorbed, a photon generates a charge carrier that triggers an avalanche, producing a current pulse with a high internal gain ranging from 105 to 107. The quenching resistor (RQ) then restores the microcell to its initial state, allowing continuous operation.</p><p>The amplitude of the output signal depends on how many microcells are activated. If multiple photons strike different microcells, their pulses combine, resulting in a signal proportional to the number of detected photons. However, if multiple photons enter the same microcell simultaneously, only a single pulse is generated, limiting the linearity of the response. To ensure accurate photon detection, SiPMs require a sufficient number of microcells to match the expected photon flux.</p><p>The SiPM gain (μ) is determined by the total charge (Q) transferred per avalanche event, given by:</p><p>μ=CJΔVe</p><p>where CJ is the junction capacitance and e=1.6×10−19C. The current pulse reaches a peak amplitude (Imax):</p><p>Imax=ΔVRQ+RS</p><p>where RQ is the quenching resistor, and RS is the APD's series resistance. However, this pulse decays exponentially with a characteristic time constant (τ):</p><p>τ=RQCJ</p><p>which governs how quickly the SiPM resets for subsequent photon detection. While gain does not explicitly depend on temperature, temperature can affect performance unless ΔV is actively regulated. </p><p>Finally, the photon detection is estimated using two methods: pulse height analysis, where distinct pulse levels correspond to single-photon and multi-photon events, and charge integration over time, which reveals discrete peaks based on the number of detected photons.</p><p>Although a SiPM consists of an array of pixels, it is not an image sensor and does not store charge like a CCD. Instead, it functions as an analog device, generating a time-varying output signal measured in real-time.<sup>1,2,3</sup></p><h3>Key Advantages of SiPMs</h3><p>SiPMs offer several advantages, making them ideal for photon detection applications. </p><p>Operating at low voltage compared with traditional APD, SiPMs provide high gain, fast response times, and excellent photon detection efficiency while enabling precise timing measurements within tens of nanoseconds through rapid internal avalanche amplification. Their compact, robust design and resistance to mechanical shocks and magnetic fields ensure reliable performance in various environments. </p><p>Unlike traditional detectors, SiPMs do not degrade due to incident light saturation, maintaining consistent sensitivity. These characteristics make them highly suitable for high-speed, high-sensitivity photon counting applications in medical diagnostics, scientific research, LiDAR, and advanced optical sensing technologies.<sup>3,4</sup></p><h2>Hamamatsu's Technological Enhancements in SiPMs</h2><p>Hamamatsu refers to its Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology as the Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC), a trademark of Hamamatsu Photonics. Over the years, it has introduced technological enhancements, improving sensitivity, noise reduction, and detection efficiency, making MPPCs highly effective for advanced optical sensing applications. </p><h3>Enhanced Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE)</h3><p>Hamamatsu has enhanced MPPC photon detection efficiency through advances in microcell design and optical enhancements. The S16786-0515WM model, designed specifically for LiDAR applications, reduces SPAD size, increasing PDE while maintaining high-speed response and wide dynamic range. </p><p>Its integrated microlens technology enhances light collection, achieving 15% PDE at 905 nm. The 25 µm pitch MPPC maximizes fill factor and improves PDE, while smaller pitch versions (10 µm and 15 µm) provide high-speed response and extended dynamic range.<sup>5,6</sup></p><h3>Through-Silicon Via (TSV) Technology</h3><p>Hamamatsu uses Through-Silicon Via (TSV) technology to create a more compact, high-density SiPM design by optimizing electrical interconnections. TSV reroutes the cathode connection from the front surface to the back, reducing intercell spacing from 3 mm to 0.2 mm and increasing the effective photosensitive area. This advancement eliminates front-side wire bonding, reducing dead space and improving PDE. </p><p>TSV technology improves SiPM performance in LiDAR applications, including long-range sensing and 3D mapping, by enhancing spatial resolution and enabling smaller, high-precision detector arrays.<sup>7</sup></p><p>In accordance with the latest technological trends, Hamamatsu Photonics recently developed a new 1D Si PM Array with a direct bonded ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The functions of this ASIC are ideal to match ToF (Time of Flight) LiDAR.</p><h3>Low Afterpulsing and Crosstalk</h3><p>Hamamatsu has reduced crosstalk and afterpulsing in its MPPCs by incorporating trench isolation between microcells, which blocks unwanted optical photons from triggering adjacent cells.</p><p>The S14160 series exemplifies this technology, with optimized quenching resistor values and refined APD structures that suppress delayed secondary discharges. These innovations produce lower noise, improved PDE, and enhanced measurement accuracy.<sup>6,8</sup></p><h3>Reduced Dark Counts</h3><p>The dark count rate, measured in counts per second (cps), quantifies unwanted pulses exceeding a 0.5 p.e. threshold in a dark state, which can impact signal accuracy. </p><p>The S13360 series MPPCs incorporate refined APD structures that suppress thermally generated carriers responsible for spurious Geiger-mode discharges. They achieve a fivefold reduction in single-photon equivalent (1 p.e.) dark noise at 0°C, with even greater suppression at lower temperatures.<sup>6,9</sup></p><h2>Impact on LiDAR Applications</h2><h3>Autonomous Vehicles</h3><p>SiPMs enhance LiDAR in autonomous vehicles by providing high photon detection efficiency (PDE), rapid response times, and single-photon sensitivity, enabling precise detection of low-reflectivity objects at long distances. Their high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improves depth perception, reducing false detections and enhancing environmental awareness. </p><p>Hamamatsu's MPPCs further optimize LiDAR performance with a high fill factor, fine-pitch designs (10 µm and 15 µm) for accurate depth sensing, and TSV technology for compact, high-density modules. Its trench isolation technology minimizes optical crosstalk, ensuring greater accuracy in complex environments and improving autonomous navigation and obstacle detection.<sup id="isPasted">6</sup></p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1745226597419-lidar-attack-content.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span class="fr-inner">Visualization of a LiDAR point cloud. By Graham Murdock for Popular Science.</span></span></span></p><h3 id="isPasted">Drone Navigation</h3><p>SiPMs enhance LiDAR-based drone navigation by improving photon detection efficiency, enabling precise distance measurements and accurate obstacle detection in complex environments. </p><p>Hamamatsu's MPPCs further refine these capabilities by optimizing photon detection at 905 nm, ensuring reliable performance even with weak return signals in low-light or complex environments. Their reduced afterpulsing and crosstalk enhance multi-return LiDAR accuracy, allowing drones to reliably distinguish closely spaced objects and generate high-resolution point clouds. The sensors' rapid response time further improves point cloud resolution, while their low dark count rates enhance the detection of small obstacles. </p><p>Additionally, their compact, low-power design extends drone flight times without compromising maneuverability, and their robust performance across varying environmental conditions ensures consistent operation.</p><p>These advancements by Hamamatsu could make LiDAR-equipped drones more effective for infrastructure maintenance, detecting damage to power lines, pipelines, and wind turbines, as well as for agriculture, enabling grazing analysis, cattle tracking, and crop yield assessment.<em>6,10</em></p><h3>3D Mapping</h3><p>SiPMs enhance LiDAR-based 3D mapping by providing high photon detection efficiency (PDE), superior spatial resolution, and low noise, enabling more accurate point cloud generation and surface detail capture. </p><p>Hamamatsu's MPPCs optimize mapping accuracy by minimizing afterpulsing and optical crosstalk, ensuring photon returns correspond to actual surface features. The high fill factor of 25 µm pitch MPPCs improves scanning resolution, while adjustable overvoltage in 50 µm and 100 µm pitch MPPCs supports high-altitude and large-area mapping. In addition, lower dark count rates enhance signal clarity, ensuring reliable mapping in low-light conditions and low-reflectivity surfaces. </p><p>These advancements make Hamamatsu's MPPCs essential for high-precision 3D mapping in geospatial analysis, precision agriculture, and environmental monitoring.</p><p>For more specific applications, like industrial LiDAR or any short-range LiDAR, Hamamatsu has developed a new SiPM that can operate with low breakdown voltage (25 V). This new sensor lineup is ideal for applications that require a low PDE due to high ambient light conditions, high dynamic range, fast replay and low noise.<sup>6,11</sup></p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) offer high photon detection efficiency (PDE), low operating voltage, magnetic field immunity, and superior time resolution, making them ideal for LiDAR applications. </p><p>Hamamatsu's SiPMs (MPPCs) enhance performance through innovations such as TSV technology, reduced afterpulsing, lower dark counts, and improved PDE. These advancements contribute to higher spatial resolution, fewer false detections, and better object recognition, making them highly effective for autonomous vehicles, drone navigation, and 3D mapping applications. </p><p>Hamamatsu offer not only a wide lineup of products but also professional and dedicated help to identify the best solution for your application, from standard products to devices needing dedicated development. It is recommended that you speak to Hamamatsu Photonics’ team of experts via their <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/product/optical-sensors/mppc.html">website</a> regarding your LiDAR requirements.</p><hr /><h3 id="isPasted">References and Further Reading</h3><ol><li><p>Slawomir Piatek. (2016) What is an SiPM and how does it work? [Online]. <a href="https://hub.hamamatsu.com/us/en/technical-notes/mppc-sipms/what-is-an-SiPM-and-how-does-it-work.html">https://hub.hamamatsu.com/us/en/technical-notes/mppc-sipms/what-is-an-SiPM-and-how-does-it-work.html</a> </p></li><li><p>Hamamatsu. (2025). What is MPPC® (SiPM)? | MPPC (SiPMs) / SPADs. [Online]. <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/product/optical-sensors/mppc/what_is_mppc.html">https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/product/optical-sensors/mppc/what_is_mppc.html</a> </p></li><li><p>Acerbi, F., &amp; Gundacker, S. (2019). Understanding and simulating SiPMs. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 926, 16-35. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2018.11.118">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2018.11.118</a></p></li><li><p>Hamamatsu. (2024). MPPC - Photosensors with excellent photon-counting capability. [Online]. <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/mppc_kapd0006e.pdf">https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/mppc_kapd0006e.pdf</a> </p></li><li><p>Hamamatsu. (2024). Hamamatsu's new MPPC (SiPM) for LiDAR Applications with increased Photon Detection Efficiency. [Online]. <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/21_HPE/press-release/new-mppc-for-lidar-applications-with-increased-photon-detection-efficiency.pdf">https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/21_HPE/press-release/new-mppc-for-lidar-applications-with-increased-photon-detection-efficiency.pdf</a> </p></li><li><p>Hamamatsu. (2025). MPPC – Technical Note. [Online]. <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/mppc_kapd9008e.pdf">https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/mppc_kapd9008e.pdf</a> </p></li><li><p>Renschler, M., Painter, W., Bisconti, F., Haungs, A., Huber, T., Karus, M., Schieler, H., &amp; Weindl, A. (2018). Characterization of Hamamatsu 64-channel TSV SiPMs. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 888, 257-267. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2018.01.029">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2018.01.029</a></p></li><li><p>Cattaneo, P. W., Menegolli, A., Prata, M. C., Raselli, G. L., &amp; Rossella, M. (2020). Characterization of Hamamatsu 14160 series of Silicon Photomultipliers. Journal of Instrumentation, 15(09), C09056. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/15/09/C09056">https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/15/09/C09056</a> </p></li><li><p>Tsujikawa, T., Funamoto, H., Kataoka, J., Fujita, T., Nishiyama, T., Kurei, Y., Sato, K., Yamamura, K., &amp; Nakamura, S. (2014). Performance of the latest MPPCs with reduced dark counts and improved photon detection efficiency. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 765, 247-251. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2014.06.033">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2014.06.033</a></p></li><li><p>Florian Petit. (2021). LiDAR in Drones: Keeping an eye on things. [Online]. <a href="https://www.blickfeld.com/blog/lidar-in-drones/">https://www.blickfeld.com/blog/lidar-in-drones/</a></p></li><li><p>Hamamatsu. (2024).  S13360 Series - MPPCs for precision measurement. [Online]. <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/s13360_series_kapd1052e.pdf" id="isPasted">https://www.hamamatsu.com/content/dam/hamamatsu-photonics/sites/documents/99_SALES_LIBRARY/ssd/s13360_series_kapd1052e.pdf</a></p></li></ol>

The Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) is transforming optical sensing and LiDAR technology by providing high photon detection efficiency, low noise, and fast response times, enabling greater accuracy and resolution in applications such as autonomous navigation, environmental mapping, and 3D imaging.

The Role of Silicon Photomultipliers in Enhancing Optical Sensing and LiDAR Technology

<p>Modern communication networks rely on optical signals to transfer vast amounts of data. But just like a weak radio signal, these optical signals need to be amplified to travel long distances without losing information. The most common amplifiers, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), have served this purpose for decades, enabling longer transmission distances without the need for frequent signal regeneration. However, they operate within a limited spectral bandwidth, restricting the expansion of optical networks.</p><p>To meet the growing demand for high-speed data transmission, researchers have been seeking ways to develop more powerful, flexible, and compact amplifiers. Even though AI accelerators, data centers, and high-performance computing systems handle ever-increasing amounts of data, the limitations of existing optical amplifiers are becoming more evident.</p><p>The need for ultra-broadband amplification — amplifiers that work across a wider range of wavelengths — is more pressing than ever. Existing solutions, such as Raman amplifiers, offer some improvement, but they are still too complex and energy hungry.</p><p>Now, researchers led by Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL and Paul Seidler at IBM Research Europe – Zurich have developed a photonic-chip-based traveling-wave parametric amplifier (TWPA) that achieves ultra-broadband signal amplification in an unprecedentedly compact form. Using gallium phosphide-on-silicon dioxide technology, the new amplifier attains a net gain of over 10 dB across a bandwidth of approximately 140 nm — three times wider than a conventional C-band EDFA.</p><p>Most amplifiers rely on rare-earth elements to strengthen signals. Instead, the new amplifier uses optical nonlinearity — a property where light interacts with a material to amplify itself. By carefully designing a tiny spiral waveguide, the researchers created a space where light waves reinforce each other, boosting weak signals while keeping noise low. This method not only makes the amplifier more efficient but also allows it to work across a much broader range of wavelengths, all within a compact, chip-sized device.</p><p>The team chose gallium phosphide because of its exceptional optical properties. First, it exhibits strong optical nonlinearity, which means that light waves passing through it can interact in a way that boosts signal strength. Second, it has a high refractive index, which allows light to be confined tightly within the waveguide, leading to more efficient amplification. By using gallium phosphide, the scientists achieved high gain with a waveguide only a few centimeters long , significantly reducing the amplifier’s footprint and making it practical for next-generation optical communication systems.</p><p>The researchers demonstrated that their chip-based amplifier could achieve up to 35 dB of gain while keeping the noise low. Additionally, remarkably weak signals could be amplified, with the amplifier handling input powers ranging over six orders of magnitude. These features make the new amplifier highly adaptable to a variety of applications beyond telecommunications, such as precision sensing</p><p>The amplifier also enhanced the performance of optical frequency combs and coherent communication signals — two key technologies in modern optical networks and photonics — showing that such photonic integrated circuits can surpass traditional fiber-based amplification systems.</p><p>The new amplifier has far-reaching implications for the future of data centers, AI processors, and high-performance computing systems, all of which can benefit from faster, more efficient data transfer. And the applications extend beyond data transmission, to optical sensing, metrology, and even LiDAR systems used in self-driving vehicles.</p><p><strong>Other contributors</strong></p><ul><li>EPFL Center of Quantum Science and Engineering</li><li>IBM Research Europe – Zurich</li></ul><hr /><p><strong>References</strong></p><p>Kuznetsov, N., Nardi, A., Riemensberger, J., Davydova, A., Churaev, M., Seidler, P., Kippenberg, T. J. An ultra-broadband photonic-chip-based traveling-wave parametric amplifier. Nature 12 March 2025. DOI: <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08666-z" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10.1038/s41586-025-08666-z</a></p>

A gallium phosphide photonic chip featuring multiple spiral waveguides and other test structures. Credit: Nikolai Kuznetsov (EPFL)

Scientists at EPFL and IBM Research have developed a compact optical amplifier based on a photonic chip that vastly outperforms traditional optical amplifiers in both bandwidth and efficiency. This breakthrough could reshape data center interconnects, AI accelerators, and high-performance computing.

Ultra-broadband photonic chip boosts optical signals

<p>The Photonics Innovation Awards is an exciting new initiative by Hamamatsu Photonics. The awards seek to recognize and support groundbreaking ideas that harness the power of light, driving innovation across various industries. </p><p>To learn more about the award, Luigi Ghezzi, Technical Marketing Engineer at Hamamatsu, shared insights into the awards creation and the impact they aim to have on the world of photonics. In the interview below, we delve into Hamamatsu's motivations, goals, and future visions for this industry's important accolade.</p><p><a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/">Learn more about the award here.</a></p><h2>About the Awards</h2><h3>What inspired Hamamatsu to create the Photonics Innovation Awards, and what goals do you hope to achieve with this initiative?</h3><p><strong>Luigi Ghezzi: </strong>Our company history inspired us to create this Photonics Innovation Awards. Both Photonics and Innovation are two pillars of Hamamatsu Photonics. We have been developing and producing<a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/eu/en/product/optical-components.html"> optoelectronic components </a>for more than 70 years. We re-invest at least 6% of our yearly revenue into research and development, and we are proud to have contributed, with our products, to <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/jp/en/our-company/history.html">3 Nobel Prize-winning research.</a></p><h3>Why is now the right time to launch an awards program focused on photonics innovation?</h3><p>Light has always been an essential part of our lives, but never before have we harnessed and utilized it as extensively as we do today. Many everyday actions and operations—often taken for granted—are made possible by photonics. Beyond the undeniable impact of smartphones, photonics underpins vital advancements in telecommunications that connect the world, breakthroughs in medical diagnostics and treatments, including precise surgical interventions, and significant progress in industrial applications. And this list barely scratches the surface.</p><p>Photonics is also expanding into emerging fields such as agriculture, offering innovative solutions, and it plays a pivotal role in what many call the next scientific revolution: Quantum Optics.</p><p>With such immense potential, there has never been a better time to inspire, support, and explore all possible innovations in the field of photonics. The opportunities are vast, and the future is brighter than ever.</p><p><span><span><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQwMDUyNjI5NTYyLTJiX0hhbV9Ud28tcGhvdG9uX2V4Y2l0YXRpb25fZmx1b3Jlc2NlbmNlX21pY3Jvc2NvcGUuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /><span>Hamamatsu Photonics Succeeds in Creating a Technology that Upgrades the Spatial Resolution of Two-photon Excitation Fluorescence Microscopy.</span></span></span></p><h1 id="isPasted">Participants and Eligibility</h1><h3>What qualities or attributes are you seeking in the proposals, and what distinguishes an award-winning idea?</h3><p>The aim of the Awards is to leverage advanced photonics technology by developing a project that addresses real-world challenges. We will evaluate different criteria such as innovation, relevance and impact of the idea. Still, we will also evaluate the quality of the material submitted, the feasibility and the potential market of the project.</p><h3>Can you elaborate on why the Awards are open to such a broad audience, including start-ups, OEMs, and established industry players?</h3><p>Ideas are good regardless of their origin. Our customer portfolio is very diverse and includes both researchers and start-ups but also OEMs or established industrial players to whom we offer not only customized solutions but also full support for the integration and use of our products. For this reason, it was natural to offer the possibility of participating in this competition to a broad audience.</p><p><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/calling-all-photonics-innovators-launch-of-the-photonics-innovation-awards-2025"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQwMDUyNjgyNzE2LTJkX0hhbV9XV19hcnRpY2xlX1BJQV8xMjAweDY3OCAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></a></p><h2 id="isPasted">Focus Areas and Themes</h2><h3>What critical challenges do you hope applicants will address, such as sustainability or healthcare solutions, and why are these areas particularly relevant?</h3><p>Our mission is to benefit society by developing technologies that capture, measure, and generate various types of light. For this reason, we did not want to create specific categories or direct the competition towards particular areas of interest, as we think, “light is possibility itself”. </p><p>We are committed to creating meaningful benefits for the community through our products. </p><p>That’s why we value all ideas related to projects that aim to generate added value. Sometimes, however, this added value might not be immediately apparent. </p><p>Take autonomous driving as an example—while it may not initially seem like a community benefit, its potential to reduce accidents, alleviate stress, and optimize resource consumption makes it a transformative technology that can significantly enhance people’s lives.</p><p>Therefore, we encourage people to submit applications, regardless of the sector or area of focus. What truly matters is the strength of an idea and its potential impact on the community.</p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQwMDUyNzA5MzM2LTJjX0hhbV9XV19hcnRpY2xlX1BJQV8xMjAweDY3OCAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></p><h3 id="isPasted">Are there specific industries or applications you anticipate will dominate the submissions, or are you aiming for a diverse range of innovations?</h3><p>The presence of our products in various fields and applications shows us how photonics is everywhere, so we expect that the ideas will also be applied in different markets and applications without a predominant theme.</p><h2>The Prize and Benefits</h2><h3>How does Hamamatsu’s Pilot Line service support the winners, and what advantages does it offer for developing their innovations?</h3><p>As previously mentioned, we are interested not only in the idea but in the project in general. Through Hamamatsu's Pilot Line service, we can provide not only the technical feasibility of the project but also our support for the development of the entire project. For example, we can help customers identify the right business model or identify any necessary partners. By participating in the Photonics Innovation Awards, the project will have a direct access point to the evaluation for the Pilot Line service.</p><h3>Aside from the €10,000 cash prize, what does the one-year promotional support entail, and how will it help winners gain global recognition?</h3><p>This depends on the idea and collaboration of the winners, but we would surely include it within our communication on social media and newsletters, external media, or similar. Another possibility, in addition, could be to join at shows, exhibitions or conferences in the Hamamatsu booth.</p><h2>Vision and Long-Term Impact</h2><h3>What impact do you hope the Photonics Innovation Awards will have on the photonics industry?</h3><p>We believe there are countless innovative ideas in the field of photonics that remain undiscovered—stowed away in the minds or drawers of their inventors due to a lack of time, funding, or opportunities. We aim to support these ideas and provide them with the platform and resources needed to bring them to life.</p><p>Moreover, we aim to inspire the creation of even more groundbreaking concepts, encourage fresh approaches, and drive solutions to unresolved challenges using the immense potential of photonics.</p><h3>How do you envision the Awards evolving in future years, and what role do you see Hamamatsu playing in fostering photonics innovation globally?</h3><p>This is the first edition of the Photonics Innovation Awards, but our vision is that it becomes a regular event with a frequency yet to be defined.</p><p>Our idea is that through these initiatives, such as the Awards and the Hamamatsu Pilot Line service, combined with the merits that our customers already recognize in us and the quality of our products, Hamamatsu can continue to lead innovation in the field of Photonics, to be able to put its potential even more at the service of the community.</p><h3>Is there anything else you’d like to cover that we have not already mentioned here?</h3><p>History is full of examples of ideas that seemed like failures and then turned out to be brilliant and often, an outside perspective can be needed to help them come to fruition, so I hope that my answers have encouraged people to want to participate in the Photonics Awards. Regardless of whether you participate, I look forward to seeing as many of you at the award ceremony, which will be held at the Laser Show 2025 in Munich. </p><p><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQwMDUyNTg0NTg5LTJlX0hhbV9MV1AgKDEpLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></p><p>Please follow our website or <a href="https://www.hamamatsu.com/eu/en/resources/newsletter-subscription.html">sign up for our newsletter </a>to stay updated on the award ceremony and all the news regarding Hamamatsu Photonics.</p><h2 id="isPasted">Award detail summary</h2><ul><li><p>Prize: Winners will be celebrated at the prestigious Laser World of Photonics 2025 event in Munich, where they will receive a €10,000 cash prize and one year of promotional support and access the Hamamatsu’s Pilot Line service to propel their project into the global spotlight.</p></li><li><p>Audience: Open to all engineers, researchers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, startups/scale-ups, research teams, and students working on innovative PIC applications.</p></li><li><p>End date: <a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/">Submit your application</a> by April 8, 2025, and join the ranks of photonics pioneers.</p></li></ul>

In the following interview, Luigi Ghezzi, Technical Marketing Engineer at Hamamatsu, offers a detailed look into the establishment of their innovation awards and the company's aspirations, objectives, and future plans for this significant industry honor.

Shining a Light on Innovation: Luigi Ghezzi Discusses the Inaugural Photonics Innovation Awards 2025

In this episode, we explore how porous plastic sheets are being used to cool buildings by radiating heat into space and how this could reduce global energy consumption by 10% and CO2 emission by 7%.

Podcast: Cooling Buildings With Porous Plastic Sheets

<p><a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/">The Photonics Innovation Awards 2025</a> is a critical industry event celebrating cutting-edge advancements and innovation in the field of photonics. As engineers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible with light, these awards created by Hamamatsu Photonics shine a spotlight on those who drive innovation and inspire the photonics industry.</p><h2>Overview of the Competition</h2><p>The Photonics Innovation Awards 2025 invite a diverse group of participants ranging from nimble startups and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to established industry leaders. This year’s award is open to projects that advance the field of photonics, from environmental sustainability to advanced healthcare solutions. </p><h2><br />Participation Details</h2><p>Whether you are a start-up, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), or an established player in the industry, this is your opportunity to address critical challenges and make a lasting impact. Hamamatsu Photonics invites visionary minds to submit proposals that leverage photonics to tackle today’s pressing issues. </p><p>Entrants must meet specific criteria outlined in the application guidelines, accessible through the <a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/">official award website. </a>The process is designed to be transparent and fair, ensuring that the best innovations rise to the top. Please note, the deadline for applications is May 8, 2025. We encourage all innovators in the photonics field to apply and showcase their groundbreaking work.</p><h2><strong>Benefits for Winners</strong></h2><p>Winning the Photonics Innovation Awards brings numerous advantages. Winners will receive a €10,000 prize to further support their projects, one year of promotional support to enhance their market visibility, and the unique opportunity to collaborate with Hamamatsu’s esteemed Pilot Line service. This collaboration aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of promising photonics technologies.</p><p><a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzQwMDUxNzAxOTgyLTJkX0hhbV9XV19hcnRpY2xlX1BJQV8xMjAweDY3OCAoMSkuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width:100%px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" /></a></p><h2>Event Details</h2><p>The awards ceremony promises to highlight the Laser World of Photonics 2025, set to take place in Munich. This prestigious event will gather industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders, providing a perfect backdrop to celebrate the achievements of our brightest minds.</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>The Photonics Innovation Awards 2025 are more than just a competition; they are a celebration of the spirit of innovation and a testament to the potential of photonics technology. Hamamatsu is excited to see new ideas and developments that will continue to advance photonics and create products and solutions that enable a more sustainable, safe, and innovative world.</p><h2>Are you ready to innovate?</h2><p>Are you ready to be a part of this exciting event? Visit the <a href="https://www.hamamatsu-news.de/promo/24_photonics_innovation_award/">award's official website</a> for more details and to submit your application. Join in driving the future of photonics, and let your innovation be recognized and celebrated at the Photonics Innovation Awards 2025.</p><h2>Learn more</h2><p><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/hamamatsu.photonics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read more about Hamamatsu Photonics.</a></p><p><br /></p>

The Photonics Innovation Awards 2025 invites a diverse group of participants ranging from nimble startups and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to established industry leaders.

Calling All Photonics Innovators: Launch of the Photonics Innovation Awards 2025

<p dir="ltr" id="isPasted">With less than one month left before the submission deadline, the Global Photonics Engineering Contest hosted on Wevolver, by PhotonDelta, is showcasing promising innovations in photonic integrated circuits (PICs)—a technology revolutionizing industries from healthcare to artificial intelligence.</p><p dir="ltr">This contest isn't just about competition—it's about impact. As industries face mounting challenges, from energy consumption to food security, integrated photonics is emerging as a game-changing solution. In this article, we explore some of the most promising entries from the challenge, examine how they align with broader industry trends, and highlight why now is the time for engineers to push the boundaries of what’s possible with light.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Global Photonics Engineering Contest</h2><h2><p dir="ltr"><br></p></h2><ul><li dir="ltr"><strong>Prize:</strong> €50,000 worth of services from the PhotonDelta ecosystem to make your idea market-ready + a chance to receive up to €2 million in pre-seed funding.</li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Audience:</strong> Open to all engineers, researchers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, startups/scale-ups, research teams, and students working on innovative PIC applications.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Bonus:</strong> All participants will receive free 3-month access to <a href="https://www.lucedaphotonics.com/luceda-photonics-design-platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Luceda IPKISS software</a>, along with access to Luceda's tools and support channel.</li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>End date:</strong> March 3rd 2025</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/global-photonics-engineering-contest?utm_source=photon+delta&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=photonics" class="button-main-action">ENTER THE CHALLENGE NOW</a></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p><br></p><h2 dir="ltr">The Global Photonics Challenge: Spotlight on Pioneering Submissions</h2><p dir="ltr">As industries rush to adopt faster, more energy-efficient technologies, integrated photonics is proving to be the key. Some of this contest’s entries are tackling major global challenges, from chronic disease management to AI’s growing computational demands. Below, we highlight three standout projects, diving into how they’re leveraging integrated photonics and why this matters for their respective industries.</p><h2 dir="ltr">InnoPIC: Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring with Raman Spectroscopy and SPAD Arrays</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Industry:&nbsp;</strong>Healthcare &amp; Medical Devices<br><strong>Team Lead:</strong> Omer Cheema (Eindhoven, Netherlands)</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Challenge:</h3><p dir="ltr">Diabetes affects over 540 million people worldwide, yet traditional glucose monitoring methods are invasive, costly, and sometimes inaccurate. Current continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems rely on subcutaneous sensors that require frequent replacements, making them inaccessible for many.</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Innovation:</h3><p dir="ltr">InnoPIC’s wearable device combines Raman spectroscopy—a powerful molecular analysis tool—with single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) to amplify weak optical signals. A proprietary AI-driven noise-filtering algorithm ensures precise, pain-free glucose monitoring in real-time.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Technical Edge:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">SPAD Arrays:&nbsp;Enhance Raman signal sensitivity to detect glucose at the molecular level.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Noise Reduction: Hybrid electronic-photonic filtering minimizes environmental interference.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">AI Integration: Adjusts for individual skin composition differences.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 823px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1739267034914-1739267034914.png" width="602" height="327" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-inner">Blog Diagram provided by Omar Cheema</span></span></span></p><h3 dir="ltr">Why Photonics Matters in Healthcare</h3><p dir="ltr">The healthcare industry is experiencing a transformation thanks to advancements in photonics, which facilitate low-cost, non-invasive diagnostics. Light-based technologies, ranging from wearable biosensors to portable medical imaging devices, are enhancing access to healthcare while reducing the dependence on expensive hospital equipment. If successful, InnoPIC could eliminate painful finger-prick tests and greatly enhance diabetes management for millions of people.</p><h2 dir="ltr">NeuroCore: Photonic Neural Network Accelerators for AI</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Industry:&nbsp;</strong>Artificial Intelligence &amp; High-Performance Computing<br><strong>Team Lead:</strong> Marc Soss (California, USA)</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Challenge:</h3><p dir="ltr">AI models are growing at an exponential rate, requiring trillions of multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations. Today’s GPUs and TPUs consume massive amounts of energy, with data centers accounting for ~1.5% of global electricity use—a number that’s rapidly rising.</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Innovation:</h3><p dir="ltr">NeuroCore replaces power-hungry electronic transistors with optical components, enabling energy-efficient AI computing. Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZIs) and waveguides perform matrix multiplications using light, drastically reducing power consumption while increasing computational speed.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Technical Edge:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Interference-Based Computing:&nbsp;Optical phase modulation accelerates AI workloads.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Thermal Management: PICs generate far less heat than silicon-based alternatives.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Scalability: Integration with existing CMOS fabrication processes.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 823px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1739267034521-1739267034521.png" width="602" height="137" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-inner">Blog Diagram provided by Marc Soss</span></span></span></p><h3 dir="ltr">Why Photonics Matters in AI</h3><p dir="ltr">With AI workloads skyrocketing, energy efficiency is the biggest bottleneck. Photonic computing could be the breakthrough the industry needs, offering high-speed, low-power alternatives to traditional electronics. Whether it’s autonomous vehicles, real-time medical imaging, or AI-driven research, NeuroCore’s technology has the potential to reshape the future of computing.</p><h2 dir="ltr">IPSA: Integrated Photonic Smart Soil Analyzer</h2><p dir="ltr"><strong>Industry:</strong> Agriculture &amp; Environmental Sustainability<br><strong>Team Lead:</strong> Jatinkumar Parmar (Surat, India)</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Challenge:</h3><p dir="ltr">By 2050, global food production must increase by 70% to sustain a growing population. However, over-fertilization and soil degradation already cost farmers $400 billion annually, damaging ecosystems and reducing yields.</p><h3 dir="ltr">The Innovation:</h3><p dir="ltr">IPSA is a real-time soil analysis device that uses multi-wavelength spectroscopy (NIR/MIR) to assess soil health. Integrated waveguides and spectral filters isolate nutrient signatures, while machine learning algorithms provide actionable insights for irrigation and fertilization.</p><h3 dir="ltr">Technical Edge:</h3><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Multi-Parameter Sensing:&nbsp;Simultaneously measures NPK levels, pH, moisture, and contaminants.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Energy Efficiency: Solar-powered, making it ideal for off-grid deployment.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">IoT Integration: Wireless connectivity supports precision agriculture at scale.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 823px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1739267034701-1739267034701.png" width="363" height="563.9945068193016" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><span class="fr-inner">Blog Diagram provided by Jatinkumar Parmar</span></span></span></p><h3 dir="ltr">Why Photonics Matters in Agriculture</h3><p dir="ltr">Photonics is radically improving agriculture by enabling smart farming techniques. Optical sensors are helping reduce fertilizer waste, optimize irrigation, and enhance crop health, making food production more sustainable. IPSA’s technology could help reduce chemical runoff, conserve water, and improve yields—offering a vital solution for global food security.</p><h2 dir="ltr">Final Countdown: Less than One Month Left to Submit</h2><p dir="ltr">The deadline is approaching fast. To participate:<br><strong>- Review the Guidelines:</strong> Ensure your project meets the technical and industry criteria.<br><strong>- Highlight Innovation:</strong> Show how your design advances the current state of the art.<br><strong>- Demonstrate Impact:</strong> Quantify potential benefits—energy saved, costs reduced, lives improved.</p><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/global-photonics-engineering-contest?utm_source=photon+delta&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=photonics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1739267518287-Boarding+Pass+Challenge.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></a></p><p dir="ltr">Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of photonics experts, with winners receiving editorial coverage on Wevolver and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.</p><ul><li dir="ltr" id="isPasted"><strong>Prize:</strong> €50,000 worth of services from the PhotonDelta ecosystem to make your idea market-ready + a chance to receive up to €2 million in pre-seed funding.</li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Audience:</strong> Open to all engineers, researchers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, startups/scale-ups, research teams, and students working on innovative PIC applications.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><strong>Bonus:</strong> All participants will receive free 3-month access to <a href="https://www.lucedaphotonics.com/luceda-photonics-design-platform" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Luceda IPKISS software</a>, along with access to Luceda's tools and support channel.</li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>End date:</strong> March 3rd 2025</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/global-photonics-engineering-contest" class="button-main-action">ENTER THE CHALLENGE NOW</a></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Read more about integrated photonics and get tips on your entry from a jury member:</h2><h1 id="isPasted"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-role-of-photonic-integrated-circuits-breaking-into-the-industry-and-crafting-a-winning-submission" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Role of Photonic Integrated Circuits, Breaking into the Industry, and Crafting a Winning Submission</a></h1><h1 id="isPasted"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/tips-and-insights-from-the-global-photonics-engineering-contest-jury" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tips and Insights from the Global Photonics Engineering Contest Jury</a></h1>

The future is being built with light, and engineers around the world are leading the change. 


Global Photonics Engineering Contest: Highlighting Innovations and the Race to the Deadline

<p id="isPasted">This article was discussed in our <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte" rel="noopener noreferrer">Next Byte podcast</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><span contenteditable="false" draggable="true" class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable"><iframe height="200px" width="100%" frameborder="no" scrolling="no" seamless="" src="https://player.simplecast.com/cbbca29e-41f6-4d45-9703-e21146c60308?dark=false" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><p>The full article will continue below.</p><hr><p id="isPasted">Traditional cooling systems for buildings use refrigerants and electricity, which contribute to the atmospheric greenhouse effect that exacerbates more extreme weather events. In response, materials scientists have turned to unconventional methods for cooling down buildings. An international team of researchers co-led by <a href="https://www.esm.psu.edu/department/directory-detail-g.aspx?q=AXL4" target="_blank">Akhlesh Lakhtakia</a>, Penn State Evan Pugh University Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, developed porous plastic sheets that can lower building temperatures through radiative cooling. &nbsp;</p><p>When applied to an enclosed space, the sheets, which are made of powdered polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and are about one-twelfth of an inch thick, can decrease the temperature of an enclosed space by 8.4 degrees Celsius, or about 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Researchers published their findings in <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/admt.202400713" target="_blank">Advanced Materials Technologies</a>. &nbsp;</p><p>“While other passive radiators reflect short-wave infrared light back into space, our passive radiator reflects both visible light and short-wave infrared light, which results in high daytime cooling,” Lakhtakia said. “The sheets would be an inexpensive, effective addition to homeowners’ siding and roofs to passively cool down a home and to supplement air conditioning units.” &nbsp;</p><p>To fabricate the sheets, Lakhtakia’s collaborators at the Dalian University of Technology in China used one-step powder sintering to fuse the PMMA powder into flat sheets with various sizes of air pockets, or pores, within them. Like the pores in our skin, the pores in the PMMA sheets cause light to scatter and radiate at different angles, thereby cooling down interior spaces. At night, the porous sheets radiate medium-wave infrared light through the atmosphere into deep space, again cooling down interior spaces.&nbsp;</p><p>“Powder sintering is a powerful method to prepare the porous materials with desired porosity and superior macroscopic properties,” said corresponding author Mingkai Lei, professor of materials science and engineering at the Dalian University of Technology. “We look forward to working with Lakhtakia and Penn State on additional applications of the material.” &nbsp;</p><p>To test the materials, Lakhtakia’s collaborators created a box out of the porous PMMA sheets, placed a thermometer within the box, then placed it in the sun and measured the temperature. By reflecting, on average, 96% of infrared and visible light, the porous PMMA sheets cooled down the sunny 80 degree Fahrenheit outdoor air temperature to 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit inside the box. By contrast, an ordinary cardboard box with the same dimensions cooled down the space to 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzM4ODAzMjM2Mzk4LTI0MDY0MC1wc24tcG93ZGVyc2ludGVyaW5ncGFwZXIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">By radiating 96% of all light – both infrared and visible –<em id="isPasted">&nbsp;</em>polymer sheets can cool an 80 degree Fahrenheit outdoor air temperature to 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit inside the box, seen at right. By contrast, an ordinary cardboard box with the same dimensions cooled down the space to 75.2 degrees Fahrenheit, seen at left. <span data-testid="credit">Credit: Provided by Yupeng Li/Dalian University of Technology . All Rights Reserved.</span></span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">They then repeated the experiment in the lab, using a solar simulator in place of the sun, which allowed the researchers to control for conditions like wind. Since room temperature has a significantly higher temperature than cold outer space, the radiative cooling effect was lessened inside the lab than in open air. &nbsp;</p><p>When exposed to the sun on a building, the PMMA sheets will degrade after a few years and lose their effectiveness, Lakhtakia said, but he envisions new businesses starting up to install and replace them, in turn creating new jobs in communities. &nbsp;</p><p>“The sheets can be easily ground up, recycled and powder sintered on an industrial scale to reuse on another building,” Lakhtakia said. “The passive daytime cooling requires no energy or electricity and can be applied to buildings in communities experiencing increased daytime temperatures year over year due to climate change.”&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to Lakhtakia and Lei, the co-authors include first author Yupeng Li, Hui Zhao, Xiangren Meng, Yishu Zhao and Haodong Liu, all from the Dalian University of Technology.&nbsp;</p>

The PMMA sheets fabricated by materials science researchers are white and porous, making them a suitable material for covering buildings for passive daytime cooling. Credit: Provided by Yupeng Li/Dalian University of Technology. All Rights Reserved.

An international team of researchers co-led by Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Penn State Evan Pugh University Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, developed porous plastic sheets that can lower building temperatures through radiative cooling. 

Porous plastic sheets can cool buildings by radiating light to space

In this episode, we explore how tiny wireless antennas use light to monitor cellular communication with groundbreaking precision.

Podcast: Tiny Antennas for Big Cellular Insights

<p>In an <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413370121" id="isPasted">article</a> published Nov. 8 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a research team led by professor <a href="https://engineering.princeton.edu/faculty/glaucio-paulino">Glaucio Paulino</a> reported that they used strategic cutting and folding to turn a single sheet of paper into a metamaterial <em>—</em> a material that demonstrates unique properties based on form and geometry. An egg carton, which is stronger than a sheet of cardboard, is a simple example.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1737678371603-16X9-XiangxinDang-PNAS_121024_0023-1536x864.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">The structures are designed with a pattern of cuts and folds.</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">Paulino said the researchers used aspects of paper cutting, or kirigami, to transform a sheet of paper into a complex surface with a large number of holes, which mathematicians call a high-genus surface. The researchers then applied folding techniques based in origami to turn the paper into a three-dimensional structure. However, most of the work involved exploring the underlying mathematics behind the combined patterns of cuts and folds and working out algorithms that engineers can use to create metamaterials with desired properties.</p><p>“Combing the two disciplines is not as simple as cutting a piece of paper and folding it,” said Xiangxin Dang, a postdoctoral researcher in Paulino’s lab and the article’s lead author. “It involves a careful balance between the two ideas.”</p><p>Dang said the balance between the cuts and folds allows designers to create a network effect among shapes that are connected with hinges. This allows designers to create adjustable, three-dimensional structures that can be tailored to respond to outside forces like pressure. For example, a structure could be rigid in one direction and flexible in another. With a simple twist, the structure can alter flexibility as its geometry changes.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1737678388413-16X9-XiangxinDang-PNAS_121024_0038-1536x864.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Folded and unfolded structures.</span></span></span></p><p id="isPasted">Paulino said designers can create shapes that use the structure to introduce polarity <em>—</em> the ability to guide flow in one direction. Electric circuits are an example of polarity. But unlike electric circuits, the new metamaterial uses geometry rather than electromagnetic fields to generate polarity. With additional work, he said engineers could use the technique to create geometric circuits to guide sound.</p><p>“It’s just one piece, which makes it easier to work with and with less chance for mistakes in manufacturing,” said Paulino, the Margareta Engman Augustine Professor of Engineering. “By combining cuts and folds into high-genus surfaces, we can introduce polarity into an adjustable, folded structure. Eventually, this could be used for optics and semiconductors.”</p><p>Paulino said the patterns of cuts in the sheet before folding show a surprising lack of symmetry. To achieve the properly folded structure, “you have to break a lot of symmetry,” he said.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1737678405151-16X9-XiangxinDang-PNAS_121024_0029-1024x576.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">The pattern of holes is highly asymmetric.</span></span></span></p><p>The work grew out of an earlier experiment with a folding structure that did not work. But Paulino said the results pointed to an approach that led to the system that allowed the researchers to introduce polarity into the 3D structure. The ability to make informed mistakes, Paulino said, can be rewarding. “When you have an idea, most of the time it does not work,” Paulino said. “But sometimes, when you make a mistake, it generates something interesting.”</p><hr><p><em id="isPasted">The article, “<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413370121">Folding a single high-genus surface into a repertoire of metamaterial functionalities</a>,” was published Nov. 8 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Besides Paulino and Dang, the authors included Stefano Gonella, a professor of engineering at the University of Minnesota. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2420375121">commentary</a> by Zeb Rocklin also appeared in PNAS. Support for the research was provided in part by the National Science Foundation.</em></p>

Xiangxin Dang, a postdoctoral researcher, displays an adjustable structure made from a cardboard sheet. Photos by Sameer A. Khan/Fotobuddy

Combining insights from two ancient art forms, Princeton engineers used a single sheet of material to create 3D structures with adjustable flexibility that could guide sound and light to perform complex tasks.

With a single paper sheet, engineers make dancing structures that direct light and sound

<p id="isPasted">Physicists have spent more than a century measuring and making sense of the strange ways that photons, electrons, and other subatomic particles interact at extremely small scales. Engineers have spent decades figuring out how to take advantage of these phenomena to create new technologies.</p><p>In one such phenomenon, called quantum entanglement, pairs of photons become interconnected in such a way that the state of one photon instantly changes to match the state of its paired photon, no matter how far apart they are.&nbsp;</p><p>Nearly 80 years ago, Albert Einstein referred to this phenomenon as "spooky action at a distance." Today, entanglement is the subject of research programs across the world — and it’s becoming a favored way to implement the most fundamental form of quantum information, the qubit.&nbsp;</p><p>Currently, the most efficient way to create photon pairs requires sending lightwaves through a crystal large enough to see without a microscope. In a paper published today in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01602-z">Nature Photonics</a>, a team led by <a href="https://www.engineering.columbia.edu/">Columbia Engineering</a> researchers and collaborators, describe a new method for creating these photon pairs that achieves higher performance on a much smaller device using less energy. <a href="https://www.me.columbia.edu/faculty/p-james-schuck">P. James Schuck</a>, associate professor of <a href="https://www.me.columbia.edu/">mechanical engineering</a> at Columbia Engineering, helped lead the research team.</p><p>These findings represent a significant step forward in the field of nonlinear optics, which is concerned with using technologies to change the properties of light for applications including lasers, telecommunications, and laboratory equipment.&nbsp;</p><p>“This work represents the embodiment of the long-sought goal of bridging macroscopic and microscopic nonlinear and quantum optics,” says Schuck, who co-directs Columbia's MS in <a href="https://quantum.engineering.columbia.edu/">Quantum Science and Technology</a>. “It provides the foundation for scalable, highly efficient on-chip integrable devices such as tunable microscopic entangled-photon-pair generators.”&nbsp;</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 832px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1737397833229-video-placeholder-schuck-lab-1264x711.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-inner">Study authors P. James Schuck (left) and Chiara Trovatello from the Schuck lab at Columbia Engineering. Credit: Jane Nisselson/Columbia Engineering</span></span></span></p><h2 id="isPasted">How it works</h2><p>Measuring just 3.4 micrometers thick, the new device points to a future where this important component of many quantum systems can fit onto a silicon chip. This change would enable significant gains in the energy efficiency and overall technical capabilities of quantum devices.</p><p>To create the device, the researchers used thin crystals of a so-called van der Waals semiconducting transition metal called molybdenum disulfide. Then they layered six of these crystal pieces into a stack, with each piece rotated 180 degrees relative to the crystal slabs above and below. As light travels through this stack, a phenomenon called quasi-phase-matching manipulates properties of the light, enabling the creation of paired photons.</p><p>This paper represents the first time that quasi-phase-matching in any van der Waals material has been used to generate photon pairs at wavelengths that are useful for telecommunications. The technique is significantly more efficient than previous methods and far less prone to error.&nbsp;</p><p>“We believe this breakthrough will establish van der Waals materials as the core of next-generation nonlinear and quantum photonic architectures, with them being ideal candidates for enabling all future on-chip technologies and replacing current bulk and periodically poled crystals,” Schuck says.&nbsp;</p><p>“These innovations will have an immediate impact in diverse areas including satellite-based distribution and mobile phone quantum communication.”&nbsp;</p><h2>How it happened</h2><p>Schuck and his team built on their previous work to develop the new device. In 2022, the group demonstrated that materials like molybdenum disulfide possess useful properties for nonlinear optics — but performance was limited by the tendency of light waves to interfere with one another while traveling through this material.</p><p>The team turned to a technique called periodic poling to counteract this problem, which is known as phase matching. By alternating the direction of the slabs in the stack, the device manipulates light in a way that enables photon pair generation at miniscule length scales.&nbsp;</p><p>“Once we understood how amazing this material was, we knew we had to pursue the periodic poling, which could allow for the highly efficient generation of photon pairs,” Schuck says.</p><p>This work occurred within&nbsp;<a href="https://quantum-materials.columbia.edu/">Programmable Quantum Materials</a>, a Department of Energy energy frontier research center (EFRC) at Columbia, as part of a larger effort to understand and exploit quantum materials. This work was possible due to contributions from the&nbsp;<a href="https://infrared.cni.columbia.edu/">Baso</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.delor-labs.com/">Delor</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://deanlab.physics.columbia.edu/">Dean</a> labs. Postdoctoral researcher&nbsp;<a href="https://nanolight.me.columbia.edu/people/chiara-trovatello">Chiara Trovatello</a> led the effort.&nbsp;</p>

Schematic of entangled photons generated in a periodically poled stack of 3R-MoS2 crystals. Photo Credit: Ella Maru Studios

Researchers have developed a drastically smaller and more energy efficient method of creating coveted photon pairs that influence each other from any distance. The technology could transform computing, telecommunications, and sensing.

photonics

Profiles