Ready for a clinical study: compact Raman-based measurement systems for the detection of carotenoids We have developed portable Raman-based measurement systems, which are now being applied in clinical trials at the Carl-Thiem-Klinikum Cottbus. They are used to determine the carotenoid concentration in the skin of patients & probands as an indicator for their health status. FBH research: 20.11.2023
Highly rugged 28 - 32 GHz GaN low noise amplifier for mm-wave frontend applications We have recently developed GaN-based 28 - 32 GHz LNAs that survive up to 34.4 dBm of input stress power at 30 GHz CW without any major degradation in small-signal and noise performance after the stress. FBH research: 06.11.2023
Centerpieces of life science applications – 1180-nm-DBR-tapered diode lasers with high spectral radiance FBH has realized a reliable DBR-tapered diode laser with high spectral radiance of more than 7 W in continuous-wave operation at a wavelength of 1180 nm. It is designed for frequency doubling to 590 nm, thus addressing medical applications and fluorescence spectroscopy. FBH research: 24.10.2023
Miniaturized entangled photon source for quantum encrypted communication Entangled photons are the building blocks of quantum communication, whose properties secure communication channels from eavesdropping. With our VOMBAT project, we aim to develop a monolithically integrated AlGaAs-based source for utilization in telecom communication. FBH research: 10.10.2023
Calibrated wideband measurements on a modified VNA for modulated-input control and linearization of a multi-port PA In modern telecommunication systems it is essential to characterize circuits & amplifiers with wideband modulated signals in calibrated reference planes. We have now verified 3-port wideband measurements & successfully synthesized & emulated the performance of a passive hybrid for DIDPA optimization. FBH research: 25.09.2023
Extended processing capabilities: through silicon substrate etching at cryogenic and room temperatures A recently installed DRIE tool enables flexible through silicon substrate etching, needed to form, e.g., through silicon vias used to integrate InP-based devices with silicon and to fabricate micro gas cells. FBH research: 11.09.2023
Towards a portable and robust optically pumped magnetometer for biomedical applications in magnetomyography In a joint project with PTB, we are developing a compact atomic magnetometer, which uses frequency-stabilized lasers and vaporized cesium atoms. FBH research: 28.08.2023
High-power DFB lasers: Understanding the spectral behavior above threshold Scientists at FBH investigated the wavelength tuning behavior in high-power distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. The results reveal insight to the mechanisms leading to mode hops in those lasers and the conditions for devices with a large continuous wavelength tuning range. FBH research: 14.08.2023
Towards ultra low-noise transimpedance amplifiers using InP HBT devices for sub-THz communication FBH develops low-noise and broadband transimpedance amplifiers for communications and sensing applications using InP HBT devices. FBH research: 31.07.2023
Spatially resolved light emission provides insight into the degradation of UV LEDs FBH and MBI scientists spatially mapped the light emission from the active region of aged LEDs under electrical and optical excitation. This provided insights into the degradation mechanisms and the role of the distribution of current and radiative recombination. FBH research: 17.07.2023
Improved performance of far-UVC LEDs by mounting on a thermally optimized Al-core PCB By implementing optimizations to our Al-core PCB design, reducing the thermal resistance, FBH has observed an increase of up to 20% in the emission power of far-UVC-LEDs. FBH research: 04.07.2023
Efficient coating – dual ICP plasma source for silicon dioxide deposition We have developed a novel dual and convergent arrangement of ICP sources in cooperation with Ruhr University Bochum and tested it to deposit primarily SiO2. Due to the versatile setup possibilities, it can be efficiently used for different coating processes. FBH research: 20.06.2023
Precision engineering of the thermal profile in high-power broad-area lasers: an innovative approach for brightness scaling FBH researchers developed an effective technique to manipulate temperature distribution within broad emitters. It has been shown that a well-defined emitter sub-structure can flatten the adverse thermal lens and produce narrower beam divergence and higher efficiency. FBH research: 05.06.2023
Smart laser system for atom interferometer-based quantum sensors A novel Bragg grating-based frequency reference module complements our latest generation of laser modules. It facilitates accurate frequency control. Autonomous operation of the combined laser system is enabled by a smart industry-grade control platform. FBH research: 22.05.2023
A new route to lattice-matched base layers for UV LEDs – the role of oxygen in high-temperature annealing of AlGaN Improved material quality of aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) was achieved by high-temperature annealing using a sapphire (Al2O3) cover to protect the surface. Oxygen helps to maintain optical transparency while decreasing the defect density. FBH research: 08.05.2023
DBR tapered laser at 660 nm as miniaturized pump source for quantum optical coherence tomography The FBH has developed a red-emitting DBR tapered laser at a wavelength of 660 nm. With an almost single-mode emission and more than 1 W optical output power, this laser is suitable to generate entangled photons for quantum-OCT. FBH research: 24.04.2023
A 4 GHz digital class-E outphasing PA for highly efficient 5G base stations FBH has realized the first GaN-based digital class-E outphasing power amplifier module for 5G applications. The design concept is an important step to push efficiency of 5G base stations and to advance digitization for next-generation communication. FBH research: 03.04.2023
Nanofabrication of suspended photonic crystal cavities in diamond We have successfully fabricated a novel type of suspended photonic crystal cavities in diamond by implementing a quasi-isotropic dry etching process in O2-plasma. These devices are key components for next-generation quantum communication technologies. FBH research: 20.03.2023
A unique tool for sputtered iridium gate technology Recently, FBH started operating a new sputter tool based on the principle of a quasi-vertical deposition process. The tool concept ensures a cross-contamination free process and is used to deposit e.g. iridium as a Schottky barrier metal. FBH research: 07.03.2023
Picosecond pulses with 40 W peak power from a tapered laser diode for THz application FBH scientists have developed a monolithic double quantum well laser featuring a tapered gain section for ultrashort pulse generation. The generated picosecond pulses with high peak power can be further compressed and utilized for THz-pulse generation. FBH research: 20.02.2023
Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy identifies soil minerals and predicts soil carbonate content SERDS using 785 nm dual-wavelength diode lasers is a powerful technique for soil inspection under the influence of strong fluorescence interference. This could help to improve crop productivity as well as soil health and to reduce fertilizer usage. FBH research: 06.02.2023
Compact single-stage 90 GHz power amplifier for terahertz applications We have realized a compact power amplifier using our InP MMIC process, achieving a maximum output power of 12.5 dBm with 17% efficiency. The circuit is equipped with low-temperature indium bumps for flip-chip mounting. FBH research: 23.01.2023
New Focused Ion Beam System for Device Characterization and Rapid Prototyping FBH recently installed a Helios 5 UX dual beam system that combines a focused gallium ion beam with a scanning electron microscope. The instrument will be used for microscopic analysis of materials and devices as well as for rapid prototyping of nano-optical components. FBH research: 09.01.2023