Miniaturised integrated visible laser sources for displays, augmented reality, sensing and communications - MiniRGB

This project seeks to develop miniaturised red,green, blue (RGB) laser sources that will play a significant role in future laser displays, augmented reality hardware, optical communications and medical equipment. The miniRGB source will exploit three innovative technologies including two advanced laser manufacturing techniques of waveguide writing and lens formation. Using an ultrashort pulsed laser, 3D waveguides can be written into glass to create optical circuits with great design freedom. The lens formation method uses lasers to micro-machine lens structures onto glass surfaces with complex lens profiles being possible. A third innovation of compact laser array packaging will be used to allow coupled sources more than 50 times smaller than the current state of the art. The project team includes project lead, Optocap, an optical component integration and packaging company; PowerPhotonic an SME specialising in direct laser lens formation and Optoscribe, an ultrafast laser inscription company. The fourth partner, research and technology organisation Fraunhofer UK, will develop the waveguide writing process and build the project demonstrator. The project will feature an industrial engagement work package to find the drivers and stakeholders in the target markets and a commercialisation work package to accelerate the technology to market after the project.