PowerPhotonic, Fraunhofer UK, Optoscribe and Optocap consortium awarded Innovate UK grant to develop miniaturised RGB laser sources
Scotland-based photonics consortium to develop an integrated photonic package with a step-change reduction in component size
PowerPhotonic, Fraunhofer UK, Optoscribe and Optocap announced today that they have been awarded an Innovate UK grant to develop novel optics for miniaturised RGB laser sources, as part of the £900,000 project.
The co-funding will be used to develop and demonstrate an innovative integrated photonic package for RGB laser sources with a step-change reduction in component size versus the current state-of-the-art. The consortium includes project lead, Optocap, an optical component integration and packaging company; PowerPhotonic, an SME specialising in optical surface formation using unique wafer scale laser micromachining and Optoscribe, a company using ultrafast lasers to form structures and waveguides in glass. The fourth partner, research and technology organisation Fraunhofer UK, will develop the waveguide writing process and build the project demonstrator.
A panel of experts at Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, awarded the grant, judging the consortium’s application as a compelling business case for miniaturised RGB sources, a concept that is technically novel, and has genuine potential to advance the state of the art and contribute to the UK's position as a world leader in this technology.
Dr Matthew Currie, Applications Engineering Managing at PowerPhotonic, said: “We are delighted that the Miniaturised RGB Laser Source project has been awarded an Innovate UK grant. This technology has many applications and will potentially open-up a large number of break though opportunities in future display, augmented reality, optical communications and medical applications. The consortium is well placed to deliver the project's outputs and take the technology towards commercial exploitation.”
Dr Henry Bookey, Theme Leader at Fraunhofer CAP, said: “We are excited to be working in this unique consortium. It is another that demonstrates the depth of the photonics industry in Scotland. The project is a great fit for Fraunhofer CAP - a demonstration of an enabling photonic technology and covers a range of activities from laser manufacturing to device demonstration."
Garrie Vickers, Hi-Rel & Space Applications Programme Manager at Optocap said: “We are delighted that Innovate UK has awarded this grant to the Miniaturised RGB laser source project. This is an exciting opportunity to build on our experience in developing miniaturised compact RGB sources for use in next-generation applications such as Augmented Reality, displays, communication systems and medical applications. Optocap looks forward to working with the consortium to develop this exciting technology.”
Optoscribe’s CEO, Dr Nick Psaila said “We are delighted to be part of this Innovate UK funded project. The Consortium brings together a broad range of expertise in what is a very exciting area.”
About PowerPhotonic - “Enhancing Beam Performance”
PowerPhotonic is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision micro-optics for laser applications in the materials processing, UV and VIS illumination, medical, telecoms, scientific and defence markets. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, PowerPhotonic uses a unique wafer scale laser ablation process to produce a wide range of precision micro-optics with higher efficiency, superior performance and increased functional integration. www.powerphotonic.com
About Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd and the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics
The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fraunhofer CAP) was established in Glasgow in 2012 as the first UK-based Fraunhofer Research Centre. Operating under Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd, Fraunhofer CAP offers professional R&D services to industry as a flexible and practical resource that responds to companies’ needs in the development of photonic technologies. Fraunhofer CAP have experience in industrial research and development across many sectors, developing lasers and sensor systems for energy, healthcare, manufacturing and defence. Consistent with the Fraunhofer model, training of PhD and EngD students is a fundamental part of our mission.
https://www.cap.fraunhofer.co.uk/
About Optocap
Optocap Limited is owned by the Alter Technology Group TUV Nord S.A.U. The main business units within the Alter Technology Group are: Alter Technology, HIREX Engineering & Optocap. Alter Technology & HIREX offer component procurement, component up screening, as well as test services for both microelectronic and optoelectronic components. As service providers their focus is on components for Space & high reliability terrestrial systems. Optocap is a technology-oriented company active in the field of optoelectronics, microelectronics and MEMS packaging design and assembly services. Turn-key packaging services enable its customers to reduce development and manufacturing costs, accelerate time to market and reduce risk with new product developments. Optocap also offers full design and assembly of custom products and is experience in harsh environment applications, including the Space sector, for which quality and reliability is a must along with an efficient supply chain. Optocap has 42 staff all based in the UK and all assembly and design work is carried out at the Livingston facility in the UK.
https://wpo-altertechnology.com/optocap/
About Optoscribe Limited
Formed in 2010, Optoscribe uses its innovative laser direct write technology to manufacture glass-based integrated photonic components for the telecommunications and data communications markets. These monolithic optical products are primarily used by high volume optical transceiver manufacturers. The transceivers provide the optical communication network used in datacenters. The company is located in Livingston, UK.
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency. It works with people, companies and partner organisations to find and drive the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy.
Further information:
Garrie Vickers
Tel: +44 (0)1506 403553
Email: Garrie.Vickers@optocap.com
Press information:
David King
Tel: +44 (0) 7788 697900
Email: David.King@optocap.com
Optocap Ltd
5 Bain Square
Kirkton Campus
Livingston EH54 7DQ
UK