SPIE Photonics West 2025
Aluvia Photonics, PHIX, indie, and University of Twente Collaborate on a Narrow-Linewidth Laser Operating at 405 nm
ENSCHEDE, The Netherlands – January 24, 2025 – Aluvia Photonics, a leading innovator in photonic integrated circuits (PICs), proudly announces the fruitful collaboration with partners indie (who acquired EXALOS in 2023), University of Twente, and PHIX Photonics Assembly for the realization of a first-in-class narrow linewidth laser operating at 405 nm enabled by the ultra-low loss photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology of ALUVIA, which permits operation down to the ultraviolet wavelengths (i.e., 200 nm), the gain material from indie’s photonics business unit (BU), the packaging and assembly expertise of PHIX Photonics Assembly, the idea, initiative, expertise and design of the Laser Physics and Nonlinear (LPNO) group of the University of Twente (Read More). The tunable laser features a narrow linewidth of <25 MHz, an output power at the fiber of ~1 mW and a tunable wavelength range covering the whole bandwidth of the InGaN gain section (i.e., from 403 nm till 408 nm). This development paves the way for a new generation of compact narrow-linewidth tunable lasers in the UV-VIS wavelength range, enabling groundbreaking applications across multiple disciplines. In spectroscopy, the laser's precision facilitates high-resolution absorption studies, allowing for detailed chemical and biological analyses. Environmental monitoring stands to benefit through the detection of specific substances, while quantum technologies can leverage the laser's stability for advancements in computing and communication. Additionally, the biomedical field may utilize this technology for enhanced fluorescence microscopy and imaging, contributing to more accurate cellular and molecular studies.
Steve Stoffels, CEO of Aluvia Photonics, remarked:
“We are thrilled with these results and the immense potential they unlock. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to develop tunable photonic circuits that pave the way for advanced laser sources. Our Al₂O₃ technology, with its ultra-low propagation losses spanning from the ultraviolet (~200 nm) to the near-infrared (3 μm), is uniquely positioned to enable disruptive innovations across a wide range of applications.”
Albert Hasper, CEO of PHIX Photonics Assembly stated:
“At PHIX, we are excited to contribute our advanced assembly and packaging expertise to this groundbreaking project. Collaborating with Aluvia Photonics and the broader consortium has allowed us to push the boundaries of our packaging technology, enabling reliable and scalable solutions for cutting-edge UV-VIS tunable lasers. This achievement exemplifies how innovative partnerships can drive photonics technology forward and open doors to transformative applications in spectroscopy, sensing, and quantum technologies.”
Philipp Vorreau, General Manager, indie Photonics BU, Switzerland, remarks:
“It is an exciting time to see our devices and technology successfully deployed in next-generation light sources. In particular, our GaN-based gain chips in PIC-based sources, utilized in the visible or near-UV wavelength range, is a great accomplishment.”
See the Innovation at Photonics West 2025
The tunable laser can be seen at the booth of ALUVIA Photonics during Photonics West 2025, taking place from January 25–30 in San Francisco, California. Visit Aluvia’s booth to explore how the aluminium oxide PIC platform can enable your applications.
For media inquiries, product demonstrations, or meeting requests, please contact:
About Aluvia Photonics:
Founded in November 2022 as a spin-off from the University of Twente, Aluvia Photonics leverages over a decade of photonics R&D to deliver cutting-edge integrated solutions. The company specializes in AlOx-based PIC technologies, enabling breakthrough performance for applications across telecom, datacom/AI, quantum, and beyond.
About PHIX Photonics Assembly:
PHIX is a leading provider of photonics assembly and packaging solutions, specializing in scalable assembly and packaging for integrated photonics. Leveraging advanced technologies such as wafer-level flip-chip integration, PHIX empowers its partners to bring innovative photonics products to market.
About indie’s Photonics BU:
indie’s Photonics BU leads the evolution of photonics by delivering innovative light-based solutions for diverse industries. Our expertise includes fiber-optic components, low-noise lasers, ultrashort pulse fiber lasers, custom integrated photonics packaging, and advanced light sources such as EXALOS Superluminescent Light Emitting Diodes and visible DFBs.
About the LPNO group at the University of Twente
The Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics group of the University of Twente led by prof. Klaus Boller, has many years of expertise on the design of external cavity lasers. They have pioneered work on narrow linewidth lasers and mode lock lasers at different wavelengths from the near-UV till the near-IR.
*C.A.A. Franken et. al., “Hybrid integrated near UV lasers using the deep-UV Al2O3 platform,” arXiv:2302.11492