Laser Optics Berlin

This company from Berlin develops and manufactures optoelectronic modules with the highest positioning accuracy in the sub-micron range (< 1 µm @ 3 Sigma) for fully automatic processes. At microsys berlin 2012, the miniaturisation specialist presents a VCSEL module (image) that consists of 4,096 VCSELn (vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers) that is built on a glass substrate. Furthermore, the exhibitor is responsible for the complete assembly of this highly complex module. Active alignment is performed here with a microlens array, with 4,096 lenses being aligned to the VCSEL array. The manufacture of these high-precision products places the highest demands on a clean environment and therefore takes place in a clean room of ISO class 5. Optoelectronic modules can be found in numerous branches of industry. These include VCSEL arrays for the semiconductor industry, laser systems for medical technology as well as radar and measurement systems for the military.

This Bonn-based company is offering a new product for coupling and bundling the radiation of laser diodes, which typically have characteristic radiation patterns, more efficiently: multimode step index fibers with rectangular silica core and rectangular fluorine-doped silica cladding . The excellent slit illumination achieved by fiber geometries with aspect ratios of up to 1 to 3 and core cross-sections from 33 by 100 µm upwards also opens up new potential applications in UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, thus extending the company's range of fibers with non-circular cross-sections. Fibers with square cores and square cladding and fibers with rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal cores and circular cladding cross-sections are also available. Non-circular core cross-sections lead to a better mixing of modes with very little widening of the numerical aperture.

The Berlin company provides a new distributed feedback (DFB) laser (image) specifically for use in fibre lasers as a pulsed-operated seed laser. In pulse operation, with pulse widths in the ns range, the 1064 nm laser achieves pulse outputs of 600 mW and more. The laser is available in the tried-and-tested 14 pin butterfly housing with polarisation-maintaining SM fibres. This housing is designed for extreme operating conditions and has already been used for aerospace applications. It enables laser operation within an extremely wide temperature range from -45 to +85 degrees Celsius. The new seed laser from the exhibitor is already being used by well-known manufacturers of industrial fibre lasers and is now commercially available. It has already been successfully used for a space programme in North America.

This Lithuanian company based in Vilnius has over 25 years of experience in the photonics market and supplies numerous OEM customers as well as research and development institutions. The range of products includes optical components for precision lasers, lasers and non-linear crystals as well as positioning mechanisms. At Laser Optics Berlin 2012, the exhibitor presents new Pockels Cells (image) from the D-Compact series with KD*P crystals. The new Pockels cells feature a diameter of one inch and a robust design. Furthermore, the D-Compact cells have a high contrast ratio of greater than 1:2000 and require a typical half wave voltage of 6.8 kV DC at a wavelength of 1,064 nm. The DKDP crystals within the cells are window-protected and all optical parts have high damage threshold AR coatings. Optical transmission is greater than 96% at 1,064 nm or other specified wavelengths. Primary applications of the new D-compact series cells include cavity Q-switching and cavity dumping of compact medical, industrial and scientific lasers and laser systems.

The TSCSPC method (time- and space-correlated single photon counting) enables fluorescent measurements of living cells under physiological conditions for the first time using wide-field detectors and is based on position sensitive delay line anodes and minimally invasive wide-field illumination. It is ultra-sensitive (single molecule) and has an ultra-dynamic range of > 106 with a time resolution < 3 ps, a spatial resolution < 60 microns at the photocathode (1,200 x 1,200 pixels) and a throughput of 106 cps. As a result, video speed is achieved. The use of a synchronised multi-channel and multi-method configuration (image) gives rise to new, time-resolved, wide-field fluorescent image capture for ultra-parallel and minimally invasive applications in macroscopy, microscopy and nanoscopy. This allows for cross-system, multi-parametric measurement data acquisition. According to the exhibitor, ps/ns time-resolved nanoscopy is achieved for the first time as a result of the synchronised combination of TSCSPC with modern nanoscopy methods, i.e. FLIN (fluorescence lifetime imaging nanoscopy) for simultaneous nm-distance determination and ps-time measurement.

According to the Austrian manufacturer's own information, the automatic Bondtester 5600C (illustration) is the first-ever and up to now the only automatic bond tester on the world market. Automatic testing not only reduces costs, but is completely unaffected by the operator's actions, therefore achieving better test results. The 5600C  is claimed to be the only pull-test unit in the world that normalizes the measured values to match the correct wire geometry, thus improving cpk values considerably. Automated shear testing is just as easy. In these tests, the 5600C always ensures that the shear tool acts at the correct angle, irrespective of the direction of the bonded wire. Both destructive and non-destructive testing can be carried out without any problems, thus permitting even 100-percent control of thick wire bonds in critical components, something that was far too time-consuming and expensive in the past. Furthermore, by simply exchanging the heads, this new Bondtester can be set up for all kinds of wire bonding methods. The ability to bond and test in a single machine is an ideal combination.

The parallel kinematic planar stage 3DOF is suited for adjustment and alignment tasks (image). It allows a fast and precise linear correction movement in the X and Y direction as well as in the rotational movement about the Z axis. With three independent direct linear drives, each equipped with a high-resolution absolute measuring system, the object is moved using the parallel kinematic system and rotated to the desired target position. The object support is the only moving part. It floats on a frictionless film of air with a thickness of only a few microns and is only kept in position by the actuator forces. Due to the direct drives with stationary coils, air bearings, and non-contact optical measuring systems, the system operates without wear, lubricants, moving cables or tubes and without particle generation. Lowering the air bearings locks the object in the target position without using any energy. The correction movements are max. ±1mm (linear) and ±1 degree (angular). The system is designed for a load of 10 to 20 kg and the linear measuring systems have a resolution of 0.25µm.

This Austrian exhibitor is now offering the FEMTOSOURCE[TM] XL series laser oscillators in combination with its [TM] optical parametric amplifier Europe[TM] (illustration). This OPA, which is pumped directly by the oscillator, generates femtosecond "signal" pulses which can be tuned within a wavelength range of 1,000 to 1,400 nm at up to 30 nJ per pulse and with a pulse repetition rate of 4 or 5 MHz. Integrated frequency doubling of the "signal" output can be supplied as an option and achieves pulses which can be tuned within a range of 500 to 650 nm at up to 10 nJ per pulse. At the customer's request, the system can also be extended with the fast PULSEFINDE[TM] Pulspicker, allowing programming of pulse rates from the Hertz range right up the Megahertz range. This laser system is particularly well suited for femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy in visible and infrared wavelength ranges when high pulse rates are required. Semiconductor and solar cell spectroscopy are typical application examples.

As a result of a new lighting concept for the optical system of the FINEPLACER® lambda (image), structures in the sub-micron range are now more clearly represented, allowing more extensive image information to be obtained. For this purpose, the coaxial lighting has been adapted and oblique light illumination introduced for support. The coaxial lighting can now be separately adjusted for the chip and substrate and optimally adapted to specific conditions such as the degree of surface reflection. The new oblique light provides additional image information during alignment, including information about rough structures and surfaces. As with coaxial lighting, the light channels for the chip and substrate can be adjusted separately to align structures/markers to each other using a superimposed image. The light values detected are saved separately in the bonding software for each stage of the work. They are therefore immediately available when a profile is changed. Because no manual iris lens has to be adjusted the workflow is improved, particularly for applications with many sub-processes such as the assembly of complex hybrid systems.

Visible light communication is new broadband transmission technology. Using commercially available LED lights, data streams are transmitted in visible light to computers or other communication-enabled terminals (image). The bandwidth is between 10 and 100 Mbit/s. A transmission capacity of up to 800 Mbit/s has already been achieved in the laboratory. Visible light communication uses the most energy-efficient electronics from LED technology and is suitable for distributing broadband video streams as well as two-way communication. It is suitable for internet use and video conferencing. The optical wireless technology can be used where wireless LAN is not desired. For example, underwater or in hospitals using surgical lights, which are often already equipped with LEDs as standard. The use of visible light has the added advantage that the distribution and accessibility of data can be detected by the light beam. The basis for visible light communication was developed by Fraunhofer HHI together with the industrial partners Siemens and France Telecom Orange Labs as part of the OMEGA EU project.

The exhibitor has developed a universal measurement solution, the MicroProf TTV multisensor measurement device (image), for the increasingly popular field of 3DIC manufacturing technology. It is suitable for developers and producers of electronic and MEMS chips that already use this innovative 3DIC manufacturing technology or wish to introduce it in the future. With MicroProf, raw wafers and structured or multi-layered wafers can be characterised with regard to total thickness variation (TTV), evenness, bump coplanarity and surface topography with a high resolution and according to SEMI standards. A new technology is being used for TSV (through silicon vias) measurements. This allows a particularly small TSV to be quantitatively evaluated for a very high aspect ratio with a diameter < 5 µm and a depth of up to 180 µm. All measurements can be taken manually or automatically with the FRT system as required. In addition, there is a fully integrated solution with robot-supported wafer handling, recipe preparation, automatic evaluation and mini-environment together with EFEM and a SEMI-compliant SECS/GEM interface for connecting to the Fab host.

Gold wires with a thin aluminium coating (image) can be bonded at room temperature with the wedge/wedge ultrasound procedure. The wires are very suitable for gold wire bonds on temperature-sensitive components. The resulting loops have a high tensile strength and can contribute to a greater level of reliability. – In addition, the Hanau-based company is presenting the palladium-coated copper bond wire PdSoft at the trade fair. The field of application in the ball and wedge procedure gives rise to stable second (wedge) bonds as well as a high level of reliability. The palladium coating acts as oxidation protection. – Heraeus LiteGold wire provides a cost-effective gold alloy with improved reliability when compared with AuAg and 4N-standard gold wires. The application of gold wire with comparable productivity gives rise to a high mechanical strength as well as a superior and reliable performance of the first and second bonds.

At Laser Optics Berlin 2012, a whole new generation of laser diode modules (illustration) is being shown by this Dresden-based company. The modules are enclosed in a compact case and are designed to generate the following wavelengths: 405, 415, 425, 445, 460, 473, 488, 515, 532, 638, 642, 660 and 685 nm. Components with powers ranging from 3 to 75 mW and beam diameters of 0.5 to 1.8 mm are available The radiation angle is equal to or less than 1.3 mrad. The M² beam quality factor is lower than 1.4 (TEM 00) and its beam divergence is less than 6 µrad/K. The module cases have a diameter of 12 mm and are 40 mm long. The new generation of modules can be operated with analog modulation at up to 1 MHz as well as digital modulation up to 100 MHz. The input voltages range from 3 to 15V and the modulation signal voltages from 0 to 5 V. An additional feature is a laser on/off TTL signal at 1 MHz. A separate power supply unit measuring 80 mm (length) by 40 mm (height) is available for the new laser diode modules. This operates at a voltage range of 3 to 15 V DC.

Well above 90 percent of the tissue samples taken in connection with the diagnosis of malignant melanomas turn out to be unnecessary. After years of research, this company from Berlin has now developed a novel diagnostic method (Illustration). In the past few years, during which numerous examinations on patients have been performed in cooperation with dermatologists and histologists,  this method has proven to be very sensitive and reliable. To determine whether a tumor is malignant or not, the fluorescent characteristics of the skin's pigment, melanin, in its natural surroundings are exploited. This was formerly considered to be impossible. Now early detection of malignant melanoma is "relatively" simple. The suspected patch of skin can be examined optically on the patient's body and the result is available within minutes. Superfluous tissue biopsies and the long and often distressing wait for the diagnosis, are a thing of the past. This relieves patients of some of the physical and psychological stress which they are normally suffering in these situations.

Nowadays, generating light impulses with an envelope covering just a few cycles of the electrical field is a matter of routine.  (Illustration: The enlarged sections show the best jitter characteristics achieved to date, in comparison to the new method.) In impulses which are so extremely short, the phase relation to the envelope waveform begins to play a decisive role, particularly in attosecond physics applications. Measurement and stabilization methods have been known for around ten years now, but stabilization with low-phase jitter over periods of several hours remains a major challenge. Research scientists at mbi have developed a novel method of implementing stabilization of the carrier envelope phase using an acousto-optical frequency shifter . This overcomes the existing limits of similar stabilization mechanisms and the method's long-term stability and low residual noise have been demonstrated. The residual noise of this new method corresponds to a carrier-to-envelope jitter of just 8 attoseconds, or one-300 of a wavelength of 800 nm. This exceeds all previous results by one order of magnitude.

The new fiber-optical miniature spectrometers made by Dutch manufacturer, Avantes, are marketed in Germany by the exhibitor. The " Starline" and " Sensline " model families (Illustration) operate in the 200 nm to 1,160 nm wavelength range and the NIRLine spectrometers in the range of 900 nm to 2,500 nm. The StarLine series also features a choice of gratings ranging from 300 to 3,600 lines per millimetre, ability to use CMOS or CCD detectors, and spectral resolutions of up to 25 pm. Cooled or uncooled back-thinned CCD detectors are used in the SensLine spectrometers, which are characterized by extraordinary sensitivity, low dark currents and a wide dynamic range. The characteristic features of NIRLine spectrometers  include linear InGaAs arrays with 256 and 512 pixels. Both cooled or uncooled detectors can be used for wavelengths of up to 1,700 nm, and a two-stage Peltier cooler is used for wavelengths of up to 2,500 nm. Spectral resolutions down to 1.5 nm can be achieved with these devices.

After making the flip-mirror holder KSM(M) 25 of the SYS 25 system usable in all mounting positions, the exhibitor has now redesigned the former KSH(M) 40 and KSH(M) 65 holders as well. These can now be used in all mounting positions, as required by customers. Furthermore, the new version of the KSH(M) 40 is suitable for use with transmissive optics. The construction of the redesigned mounting allows for larger maximum reflectable beam diameters with optics of 25 mm / one inch or  38.1 mm / 1.5 inches. Optical systems with a diameter of 12.5 mm / 0.5 inches are used in the KSH(M) 25 version. To implement the 90-degree deflection, the lever of the flip-mirror holder is flipped into the beam path at an angle of 45 degrees, either from the right or from the left, depending on the model. To achieve optimum results, the optics mounted on the swivel plate can be precisely adjusted with the aid of spring washers. The main advantage of OWIS flip-mirror holders is that they can be used without any time-consuming conversion work. The user can deflect the beam to different experiments or assemblies in one single operation.

This exhibitor's PIFOC Piezo lens scanner systems (Illustration) comprise a high-performance piezomechanical system and an optimally matched compact digital controller. In contrast to similar systems, this combination achieves better performance at a lower price. The integrated frictionless ceramic piezo-flexure drives achieve a good system stiffness and ensure instantaneous response characteristics with minimum settling times and unusually accurate positioning. The settling time of less than 10 ms increases throughput rates and enables Z-stacks to be scanned very quickly. The position is measured by capacitive sensors directly and without mechanical contact. These sensors achieve positioning resolutions of far less than 1 nm, excellent linearity and the best possible long-term stability. As an alternative, compact and more cost-effective strain-gauge sensors with a resolution in the nanometre range can be used. These are installed at suitable positions in the drive train and can therefore measure the displacement of the movable actuator component indirectly.

The new 6.24 version of Projektron BCS (image) makes project management more convenient. Improved process workflows provide the precise mapping of processes. In the drag-and-drop calendar, appointments can be planned and moved in seconds. The revised operational plan provides a sound basis for the use of resources. During project planning the project manager can now specify the processing time of a task as a percentage. Projektron BCS then computes the absolute value and automatically adjusts it according to the changes. If the free capacity of the team acts as a fixed reference point in planning, Projektron BCS can also offer support here with a new resource-oriented tool. Customer management is even easier in version 6.24. Due to the new traffic lights in the support system, critical customer tickets are visible at a glance and so can be selectively processed. Thanks to the new automation mechanisms, web-based project management software is made easier even when billing repeatable services such server rental fees or updates.

The use of very thin Al2O3 and ZnO layers as dielectric barrier layers, passivation layers or contact layers requires a high quality coating, particularly on 3D structures. Instead of conventional CVD or PECVD methods, Atomic Layer Depositions (picture: ALD-cleanroom facility) are based on the sequential addition of the basic products within a process cycle and so allow precise control of the layer growth even for very thin layers. The exhibitor has developed a PEALD system (Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition) that makes both thermal and plasma-based layer processes possible (image). In this way, high-quality layers can be separated even at relatively low substrate temperatures. The first PEALD systems are already being successfully used at Braunschweig Technical University. They are used to separate homogenous passivation layers and barrier layers. Samples with a size of up to eight inches can be coated at substrate temperatures of up to 550° Celsius and a reactor temperature of up to 180° Celsius. The PEALD system can be expanded according to the field of application.

The dimensions of the SL 04 series of stabilized He-Ne lasers (Illustration) (45 mm diameter and 314 mm length) have been designed to meet current customer and market demands  Emitting a wave length of 632.8 nm, these lasers can be operated in frequency modulation and amplitude modulation modes, the warm-up times of 15 minutes being equally low for both modes. The laser is enclosed in a compact cylindrical casing while the control electronics and power supply are located in a separate table-top case. The beam power output is greater than or equal 1.2 mW. The front end of the laser has a female C-mount thread into which a mechanical aperture or other optical components can be securely mounted. Multimode and single-mode fiber-optic couplers permitting secure laser coupling with minimum adjustment effort can be supplied as an option. These lasers are used as light sources in laser-optical metrology where the wavelength of the light serves as a natural, highly-stable reference measurement and as a frequency standard.

At the trade fair stand of Wildauer Hochschule (Wildau Technical University of Applied Sciences) at Laser Optics Berlin 2012, trade visitors can learn about the many current joint venture projects in applied research and development with innovative companies in the capital region. This includes, for example, "OMEGA". This project involves the development of materials and concepts for optical modulators based on electro-optical switching processes for gigabit data transfers and related applications. The research project deals with fast data transmission in telecommunications. Electro-optical modulators are developed using special organic materials by means of which electronic information is imprinted on optical carrier signals. As part of "ELSTER", a team deals with diffractive optical elements that can be switched and adjusted electrically based on novel liquid crystal polymer materials. New light sources and components for silicon photonics are the subject of the "SiliconLight" sub-project. (Image: The Photonics master's degree also provides comprehensive knowledge of micro- technologies).

With the interferometer from the μPhase® series , objective and precise surface and wave front measurements can be made quickly and reliably. Both the Twyman-Green and Fizeau modes are provided in one instrument. The interferometer can measure optics and surfaces with reflectivities within a range of 0.3 to 100 percent. A second camera facilitates the alignment of the test sample. The user-friendly μShape™ measurement and analysis software supports use in production as well as in the laboratory and meets the requirements of quality management. The systems are offered as self-contained interferometer modules and as predefined turnkey solutions. The interferometer systems are used for the measurement of optical components made of glass, plastic, metal or ceramics. The contact-free measurement technology prevents damage to the material to be measured and at the same time provides complete information on the quality of the measured surface or wave front. Furthermore, the company from Wedel presents the WaveMaster® SmartGage (image), a measurement solution for quality monitoring and control of optical surfaces.

The Optical Institute of the Berlin Technical University carries out basic and applied research on light optics, laser physics and quantum electronics. Optics and photonics are basic technologies for metrology, material processing and medical engineering. The radiation properties of new laser systems are examined in order to adapt them to specific applications. Measurements of solid-state and diode lasers for the spectroscopic detection of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4 are another focus. The development of high power solid-state lasers for welding, drilling and material removal takes place in association with industrial companies and institutions. Diode-pumped lasers, diode fibre couplings and optical thin films are designed, prepared and characterised for the production of vertically integrated structures such as sensors and modulators. Horizontally integrated nano-structures are processed in the project for silicon photonics. (Image: Narrow band Fabry-Perot filter with peak transmissions of 90 percent)

Both of the new AQ1200B and AQ1200C (image) are specially designed for use on passive optical networks (PON). They can measure at wavelengths of 1,625 and 1650 nm and are optimised for applications that operate with PONs in an FTTx network. Each of the two models is supplied with an integrated band pass filter that only allows passage of the measurement wavelength. For this reason, OTDR measurement faults caused by the signal light of the PON are now a thing of the past. The use of narrow band laser sources in the OTDR also excludes network faults, so that measurements can be made at any time while the PON is in operation. – The exhibitor is presenting the new "Intelligent analysis software" firmware for optical spectral analysis. The second generation now offers 17 new functions for spectral analysers from the AQ6370C series. They make the measurement of optical spectra easier and quicker. The main features include the option for selecting a measurement mode that is now twice as fast. The external trigger input now has a "Sample Enable" function to support multi-loop tests for transfer and modulation analyses.

The semi-automatic selective soldering device ONYX 29 (image) has seven motorised axes. One of the main considerations during the development of the device by this Swiss company was to avoid setting any conceptual limits. The stable machine design together with an open hardware and software concept provides the optimal framework for this. On the one hand, the Profile Development Wizard safely and efficiently guides the user through the profile preparation. On the other hand, trained key users can combine all the options of the open and modular software beyond the limits of ready-made packages on a deeper level. The standard performance features of the ONYX 29 include powerful and controlled lower heating at 6,000 W, upper heating at 2,000 W, power measurement from acceptance to positioning, nitrogen supply and cooling options for a closed control circuit. Other options include circuit board cooling and contact-free residual solder suction. In this way, the repair process is reliable and, together with the flexible software, fulfils all requirements.