Lasers for micromachining and diagnostics - Small but mighty

Abstract:

The project brought together four Lithuanian laser technology and photonic enterprises for developing top quality industrial lasers for manufacturing processes and healthcare systems. The most significant result of the project is the development of new technologies that allow access to the global market of industrial lasers for the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and treatments for eye diseases. As the result of the project two major technologies were created: The first research was focused on all steps in the particularly subtle micromachining, from basic research to photonic tools used for the manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells. Ekspla has created „PL10100“ series picosecond diode pumped laser that offers high repetition rates (up to 250 kHz) and wide spectral range (355 nm to 1.5÷2 µm) suitable for polymer photovoltaic elements machining. The other research was focused on medical application, namely treatments for eye diseases. Light conversion has created a femtosecond laser system “PHAROS” with record output parameters. The laser finds wide applications not only in medical field, but also for fabrication of LEDs and procesing of sapphire. The project contributed to the development of the laser industry in Lithuania. Based on the  results, the new branches of industrial lasers has been introduced at Ekspla and Light Conversion. Two fast-growing startup companies were launched.