According to Semiconductor Today, SuperLight Photonics has launched the SLP-2000 compact full-spectrum shortwave infrared supercontinuum laser. The Netherlands-based spin-off from University of Twente developed this photonic integrated circuit wideband laser specifically for measurement and detection applications. The SLP-2000 covers both 1060nm and 1300nm wavelengths crucial for optical coherence tomography applications. It’s engineered for both stationary and mobile integration with ultra-low-noise output in a maintenance-free platform. The technology utilizes patterned alternating dispersion technology to deliver coherent, wide-bandwidth output in a small form factor. Chief commercial officer Jeroen Biesterbos claims the device completes their product portfolio alongside the SLP-1050, covering the full spectrum from 900nm to 2500nm.
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What makes this different
Here’s the thing about supercontinuum lasers – they’re basically broadband light sources that can replace multiple single-wavelength lasers. Traditional systems often need complex multi-laser setups to cover different wavelengths, which adds cost, complexity, and potential failure points. SuperLight’s approach using photonic integrated circuits changes that equation entirely.
The real magic seems to be in their patterned alternating dispersion technology. Without getting too technical, this allows them to maintain coherence across a wide bandwidth while keeping everything compact and low-noise. That’s harder than it sounds – maintaining stability across multiple wavelengths in a small package has been a major challenge in this field.
Medical implications
For medical imaging, this could be a game-changer. The 1300nm wavelength offers deeper tissue penetration with reduced water absorption – crucial for dermatology and internal imaging where you’re fighting against signal loss. Meanwhile, the 1060nm option provides that sweet spot for retinal imaging and neuroimaging applications.
But here’s what really matters for clinicians: they’re talking about enabling applications that were previously limited by spectral bandwidth or noise instability. Basically, procedures that weren’t practical before might become routine. Real-time imaging with higher contrast in challenging tissues? That could mean better diagnostics and fewer missed conditions.
Industrial applications
Don’t think this is just for medical use though. The industrial testing potential is massive. We’re talking about non-destructive testing of composites, semiconductor inspection, coating thickness measurement – all areas where current technology has limitations.
What’s interesting is they specifically mention fiber component and photonic device testing. That suggests they’re already getting traction in their own backyard, so to speak. When a photonics company builds something that other photonics companies want to use for testing their own gear, that’s usually a good sign.
The bigger picture
SuperLight’s website shows they’re part of a growing trend toward integrated photonics replacing bulk optical systems. The fact that they’re a university spin-off also tells you something – this isn’t some incremental improvement, but potentially fundamental research making its way to market.
Now, the big question is whether they can deliver on these promises at scale and at reasonable cost. Supercontinuum lasers haven’t exactly been cheap or easy to manufacture historically. But if they’ve cracked that code with their PIC approach, we could be looking at a significant shift in how various industries handle precision measurement and imaging.
It’s worth watching how this plays out, especially given that Hamamatsu has already invested in the company. When established players like that put money behind a startup, they usually see something special.
