The FBH develops highly sensitive, fast-response and broadband THz detectors for CW and pulsed operation. Since fast THz cameras with high sensitivity are mandatory for many industrial applications, FBH is also working on focal plane arrays of THz detectors to transfer the excellent single detector performance to a THz camera.

Spaceborne quantum optical sensors for high-precision measurements rely on compact and robust narrow linewidth laser systems. The radiation hardness of the VHBGs which enhance the frequency stability of the employed laser modules was shown by FBH for typical low-earth-orbit conditions.

Improvements regarding the lateral beam quality of GaAs-based BA diode lasers strongly depend on the lateral temperature profile within the laser chip. FBH has recently made progress in understanding the effects regulating this profile.

For GaN-based DFB laser diodes, specific etching processes are required to realize laterally coupled surface gratings with high reflectivity. At FBH, a suitable ICP etch process was developed to fabricate laterally coupled 10^th order surface gratings.

Microwave plasmas can be used for a variety of applications. Accurate knowledge of their electrical behavior is indispensable to achieve high power output and efficiency. The FBH has developed a measuring method for precise characterization and a novel non-linear plasma model.