Osram Opto Semiconductors has joined the IMOTHEB project (Integrated microoptical and microthermal elements for diode lasers of high brilliance) which intends to increase the performance and lower the costs of laser systems for material processing.The project partners are DILAS Diode Laser and the Max Born Institute. The project (FKZ 13N12312) runs from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2015 and is being supported by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).
 
•         Osram Opto Semiconductors is coordinating the project and offering its know-how in semiconductors, laser diodes and laser bars; simulations are being subcontracted to the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering.
•         DILAS is responsible for the assembly technology with improved thermal resistance and higher integration in laser modules, and also for automation in module production.
•         The Max Born Institute is acting as a scientific partner, analyzing and characterizing the chips and modules.
 
Osram Opto Semiconductors has set itself the goal of achieving a higher degree of integration on the semiconductor level, thereby increasing the brilliance of infrared laser diodes significantly. Microoptical and microthermal elements are therefore being integrated directly on the chip. Over the course of the project it is hoped that this will increase output by 40 percent compared with current best values while retaining the same high emission quality. If these high outputs are achieved they will make laser chips ideal for fiber laser pump modules and for fiber-coupled diode lasers. Dr. Alexander Bachmann, project leader at Osram, said: “We need results that bring not only technical but also economic benefits to strengthen our competitive position. Based on results from the project, our brilliant laser diodes should provide more output into the fibers so that fewer chips are needed in the system and the laser systems therefore become more efficient and more cost-effective.”