Development of innovative visible lasers – LOVINOV

CIMAP, Centre de recherche sur les Ions, les MAtériaux et la Photonique (UMR 6252), and Oxxius are involved in research and innovation in solid-state laser sources for a wide range of applications, notably in biotechnology. Both are particularly interested in developing new laser sources in the UV-Visible spectral range (300 nm-700 nm). Most of the lasers developed operate in continuous mode in power ranges from mW to Watt.

The joint laboratory project between these two partners aims to develop new efficient and powerful direct-emission visible laser sources (without necessarily frequency doubling) based on materials doped with active ions (Pr3+, Eu3+, Tb3+, Sm3+, Dy3+...). The program will focus on three main areas:

- CIMAP's development of some of the active materials at the heart of these all-solid-state laser sources. A range of lasers based on LiYF4 : Pr crystals, whose growth is mastered by CIMAP, already exists at Oxxius. Optimization (composition, growth, preparation) of these materials developed and prepared at CIMAP for existing laser systems at Oxxius will be one of the objectives, but the aim will also be to identify and develop materials for new sources.

- In-depth study of gain materials. This will include detailed spectroscopic characterization of gain media, focusing on the most efficient visible transitions, as well as analysis of possible diode pumping schemes.

- The development of original, commercially relevant laser sources. With regard to the latter, these sources will be developed in close liaison with the specifications drawn up by Oxxius on the basis of market studies. Particular attention will also be paid to innovation. Ambitious laser systems not yet available on the market in these wavelength ranges will be studied: high medium power (>10W), pulse regimes (Q-Switch, Mode-Locked).

The joint laboratory will enable the emergence of a new generation of solid-state lasers in the visible spectral range, drawing on the complementary know-how held by the two partners.