Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF
In the MILADO project, an international consortium of research institutions and companies is working on the development of a mid-infrared (MIR) laser source technology. The aim is to merge III-V semiconductor and silicon (Si) based photonics to enable cost-efficient sensors with superior analytical capabilities for new applications in biomedicine and manufacturing. Due to their compactness, high spectral power density and width of 4 to 12 µm, quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are best suited as a future building block of a technology platform for miniaturized, portable and robust MIR sensors.
Fraunhofer IAF is the Technical Leader of the project and is responsible for research and innovation management. At Fraunhofer IAF, the QCL structures for the wavelength ranges addressed in MILADO are realized on 100 mm indium phosphide (InP) wafers. Fraunhofer IAF is also responsible for various tasks related to the growth, processing and characterization of Si and III-V semiconductor materials as well as QCL heterostructures. In addition, devices and modules are assembled and integrated at Fraunhofer IAF.