At the recent Photonics West, Norlase announced its formation as a new company, dedicated to the commercial production of a unique class of visible lasers, based on patented technology from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). These lasers combine the stability of a semiconductor laser with the power and wavelength range usually associated with optical pumping.
Peter Skovgaard, CEO says: “We are excited to offer our customers this new level of performance, and anticipate shipping sample products early this year” David Hardwick, Chairman, says: “Norlase builds on the technical experience and patented technology of DTU, and adds the focus of a dedicated start up”
Head of Department Lars-Ulrik A. Andersen, DTU Fotonik, adds “Norlase demonstrates the innovation strength of DTU; a core technology rooted in a world-class research team – and a co-founding team that represent hundreds of scientific publications, multiple top management positions, more than 30 patents, and several successful multi-million dollars spin-outs.”
Background
Visible, particularly blue (488 nm) and green (532 nm) lasers are of interest to a wide variety of industries and applications, including medical diagnostics, projection displays, laser pumping and basic research. None of the existing laser technologies, neither direct diode lasers, DPSSL, OPSL nor fiber lasers offer low noise, single-mode performance, high power (beyond 2W), and a free choice of wavelengths. The patented technology of Norlase allows a new class of lasers, based on tapered diodes, that provide designers of OEM equipment with stable, low noise, compact, visible lasers in the 1-20 W CW range.