High-Precision automated alignment for PIC manufacture.

Laser Components now offers an automated solution for the high-precision alignment of photonic components in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) with their OctaPad from 3SAE. This compact, task-oriented microrobot removes a critical bottleneck in high-volume manufacturing. Its integrated high-frequency dither unit with embedded control electronics compensates in real time for thermal drift, polymerisation forces, and other disturbances. The result is highly reproducible alignment with deviations of less than 0.02 dB, even during continuous operation.

“With the OctaPod, we offer an ideal solution for companies looking to make photonic alignment processes more efficient, compact, and robust,” says Christian Fassbender, Product Manager at Laser Components. “The system is specifically designed for industrial manufacturing. It does not require fan cooling and is suitable for cleanroom environments.”

These capabilities are especially valuable for the alignment of fiber arrays, where multichannel setups demand the highest level of precision. The OctaPod’s integrated real-time optimisation ensures stable, accurate coupling even under challenging production conditions. This makes the system a space-saving, scalable solution for fast and repeatable processes in both testing and manufacturing.

Unlike conventional positioning systems, the OctaPod does more than execute motion commands. It can independently carry out defined alignment tasks. Even complex alignment routines can be integrated directly into production software through task-based “Do This” commands. As a result, the system is particularly well suited for applications that require high repeatability, short cycle times, and scalable automation.

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Choosing the correct photodetector.

The launch of a new Detector Selector, an intuitive online search tool designed to help customers find the right component based on their specific application requirements has been announced by Laser Components.

Selecting the optimal photodetector often requires a balance with multiple parameters. Each system demands unique combination of wavelength range, active area size, and packaging options, which are all easily visible within the Detector Selector. The process is simplified with the Detector Selector instantly displaying each product that matches the user’s defined specifications. Detailed product documentation is available with a single click next to each product name/code, providing comprehensive specifications such as gain, operating temperature, noise, quantum efficiency (QE), detectivity (D*), responsivity, and all other relevant parameters.

Users can filter results by each of the detectors types within the company's portfolio, including standard photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (APDs), position sensitive detectors, pyroelectric detectors, and photoconductive detectors (PbS and PbSe).

For purchasing inquiries, the Detector Selector includes a "request product"feature, that allows users to add products to our contact form and quoting tool just below the Detector Selector. This feature provides engineers and system integrators a way to start a conversation with a dedicated sales contact to support them throughout the process.

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FTIR analysis expanded.

Laser Components is now the German distribution partner for cryogenically cooled MCT detectors (Mercury Cadmium Telluride – HgCdTe) from Vigo Photonics. This technology is primarily used in FTIR spectroscopy in the long-wave infrared range.

Nitrogen-cooled MCT detectors enable precise measurements at wavelengths beyond 20 µm and meet performance requirements that can only be achieved at very low temperatures (77 Kelvin). This makes them ideal for applications in scientific spectroscopy, gas analysis, environmental monitoring, and industrial process control.

The detectors are available as Dewar assemblies or in flatpack housings and can be flexibly integrated into a wide range of FTIR measurement setups. Large active areas, AR-coated windows, and anti-fringing optimization ensure low-noise and interference-free signal processing. Even weak or difficult-to-detect IR signals can therefore be captured reliably.

"With Vigo Photonics, we are gaining a partner whose technologies perfectly match the requirements of our customers," says Tim Huylebrouck, Head of the Infrared Division at Laser Components. "These MCT detectors expand our portfolio in highly sensitive FTIR analysis and open up new possibilities for demanding measurement applications."

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* FTIR = 'Fourier Transform Infrared' spectroscopy.

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Fibres for high temperature.

Laser Components is expanding its portfolio of high-performance and infrared fibres with two new product lines: metal-coated silica fibres and polycrystalline infrared fibres (PIR fibres). Both fibre types set new standards for demanding technical environments and applications such as industrial processing, sensor technology, spectroscopy, and medical systems. They offer outstanding performance, high mechanical robustness, and broad infrared transmission ranges.

PIR fibres are made from a specially engineered polycrystalline material with exceptionally high transparency. Their low attenuation enables excellent transmission even in the mid-infrared range. Metal-coated fibres, in contrast, are designed for environments where heat, cold, moisture, vacuum, or chemical exposure push conventional fibres to their limits.

"With these new fibre technologies, we are reaching an important milestone for applications that require the highest precision and maximum reliability," says Florian Tächl, Product Manager at Laser Components. :"Our customers benefit from robust, durable solutions that deliver consistently strong performance even under extreme conditions."

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Certification for data centres.

With the Data Center Expert 700 (DCX™ 700) from Viavi Solutions, Laser Components now offers a fast, reliable, and highly automated solution for Tier 1 certification in modern data centres. The system tests up to 24 fibers in approximately one second and, for the first time, can be adapted to virtually all connector types.

"With the DCX 700, VIAVI is introducing a solution that fundamentally simplifies and accelerates the certification process in data centres. As a distribution partner, we are excited to offer our customers a tool that combines technical innovation with practical, day-to-day usability," says Armin Kumpf, Product Manager at Laser Components. 

The DCX 700 is purpose-built for operators of hyperscale, enterprise, and AI/ML data centres. Its innovative one-cord reference method enables installation and service teams to certify up to 24 fibers in a single step. Adapters for nearly all common multi-fiber connector types—including MPO and MMC in 12-, 16-, and 24-fiber configurations—provide exceptional flexibility and eliminate the need for multiple standalone loss measurement devices across different network architectures.

Fully automated, guided workflows and an intuitive user interface accelerate job processes and simplify technician onboarding—an essential advantage given rapidly growing project volumes and increasingly complex cabling infrastructures.

The DCX 700’s internal memory stores approximately 10,000 Tier 1 test results. Comprehensive project documentation is supported through TPA, StrataSync, and ReportPRO. With its rugged housing and up to 10 hours of battery life, the device delivers reliable performance even in demanding field environments. 

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Excellent laser.

The PRONTO-250-EZ laser power meter from Gentec-EO was honored with the Silver Laser Focus World Innovators Award at SPIE Photonics West 2026. Each year, the jury presents this prestigious award to recognize particularly practical and forward-looking new developments in laser technology.

The PRONTO-250-EZ features a novel, flat EZ absorber. Using nanotechnology, Gentec-EO has developed a surface that is significantly easier to clean and considerably reduces the risk of contamination-related damage. The new absorber layer is a refinement and improvement of the H-coating used in the previous PRONTO-250-Flex model. It can withstand even higher power densities, which makes the PRONTO-250-EZ the ideal solution for industrial, medical, and research applications.

The robust laser power meter is extremely versatile: it measures laser powers from 0.5 W to 250 W in the UV (248 nm) to near-infrared (2.5 µm) spectral range. An optional additional calibration is available for the CO₂ wavelength of 10.6 µm.

This winning handheld measuring device exclusively available from Laser Components.

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Distributed acoustic sensing.

Continuous, seamless real-time monitoring over long distances.

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) keeps critical infrastructure safe. High-resolution monitoring systems, known as fibre test heads (FTH), transform existing fibre optic networks into highly sensitive sensors for real-time detection of vibrations, movements, and acoustic events along the fibre. The devices from Laser Components cover distances of up to 100 kilometers.

The underlying technology is both elegant and effective: a laser interrogator sends short pulses of light into the fibre optic cable and analyses the backscatter. Even the slightest movement or vibration changes the scattering pattern of the light, making it measurable for the system. AI-supported software separates harmless events from actual threats. This allows for immediate detection and precise localisation of activities such as excavations, tampering attempts, or structural changes.

DAS is increasingly being deployed in areas that are essential for public safety and utilities—such as along pipelines, railway lines, power lines, and communication networks. The technology also enables continuous status monitoring in the perimeter protection of sensitive facilities, data centres, and industrial plants. It thus makes a decisive contribution to the implementation of KRITIS requirements in accordance with the NIS2 Directive and the IT Security Act.

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New laser premises.

A new chapter is opening with Laser Components's move from Goldlay House, Chelmsford, to their larger, purpose-built offices in Braintree. The relocation offers an ideal environment for further growth and even closer cooperation with customers and partners in Britain.

"Our new office not only offers more space, but also a modern working environment that is perfectly tailored to our requirements," says General Manager Dan Barlow. "We look forward to welcoming our customers here and continuing to develop innovative solutions in the field of photonics."

The move marks another milestone in the success story of Laser Components in Britain. Founded in 1993, the company was the first location outside Germany. Today, the Laser Components Group comprises seven companies worldwide that specialize in development, manufacturing, and sales of components and systems for laser technology.

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Beam alignment.

Laser Components has added the third edition to the PR Series – IR THz Receivers, enabling real-time beam displacement measurements using the PR No3. This uncooled 4-quadrant pyroelectric receiver expands on the previous editions by implementing a unique 2.0 mm round active area, divided into four segments, with vertical and horizontal side lengths at 980 µm × 980 µm, separated by a small gap.

The PR No3 delivers consistent performance over a wide spectrum, from the ultraviolet (UV) to the far-infrared (FIR). The device includes four individual analog outputs, excellent channel-to-channel uniformity, and precise quadrant alignment relative to the housing. Make full use of the PR No3 in applications like beam positioning with at 50 kHz -3 dB bandwidth (typical for the IR version), long beam path experiments, calculating fast pulse-to-pulse fluctuations, and hysteresis correction in scanning systems.

The two configurations available include the PR No3 IR that supports wavelengths up to 30 µm, and the PR No3 THz designed for frequencies down to 40 GHz with 10x higher responsivity at an 8kHz bandwidth. Both versions of the PR No3 are individually calibrated for responsivity and noise over frequency, offering a plug-and-play solution for traditionally difficult IR systems.

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Acquisition strengthens fibre capability.

Photona Group, the parent company to Laser Components, is expanding its expertise in the field of fibre technology by acquiring 100% of the shares in the Bavarian (D) fibre technology manufacturer FOC&T GmbH. The know-how and portfolio of both companies complement each other perfectly: While Laser Components has so far been focusing primarily on the industrial and aerospace sectors, FOC&T focuses on assembled cables for medical technology and has unique mechanical know-how in connector manufacturing. All jobs at FOC&T in Burghausen (D) will be retained.

Dr. Florian Blobner, Patrick Paul, Anton Pautz, Dr. Lars Mechold

Dr. Lars Mechold, authorized signatory and Technical Director at Laser Components Germany, is taking over the position of Managing Director from company founder and former Executive Director Anton Pautz. He will continue to be available to the company as a consultant in his retirement. "We are looking forward to a close collaboration with Mr. Pautz,"says Dr. Mechold. "He has shaped the company for more than 20 years and we are pleased that his expertise and knowledge of technical processes will continue to be available to us. This will ensure a smooth transition."

"By acquiring FOC&T, we are expanding our position in the market for fibre optic components," says Dr. Florian Blobner, Chief Product Officer at the Photona Group. "Both companies complement each other perfectly and these synergies will help us to open up new markets. We are delighted to welcome the new employees to the Photona Group and are sure that they will feel at home with us."

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Leadeship change at photonics provider.

A significant management change has been announced by Laser Components UK. After 25 years at the helm, Chris Varney is stepping down as Managing Director and will be succeeded by Dan Barlow, who takes on the role of General Manager.

Dan Barlow

Dan Barlow, who joined Laser Components in January as head of sales, has an impressive track record in the photonics sector. He holds an MPhys (Hons) degree and brings nearly two decades of experience across markets such as Semiconductors, Industrial Lasers, Fiber Optics, and Optoelectronics and different industries including Life Sciences, Aerospace, and Defence. Throughout his career, he held leadership positions with both established industry players and innovative startups.

“I’m proud and humbled to have the opportunity to continue building on the legacy Chris has created here at Laser Components UK”, said Dan Barlow. “The foundations are good, the team is excellent, and I am confident we can continue to go from strength to strength here in the UK”.

Chris Varney

In his tenure as Managing Director, Chris Varney had played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation from a small operation into one of the Britain's most respected names in the photonics industry. Under his leadership, Laser Components has become a trusted partner to industries requiring advanced technology solutions, such as quantum technologies, oil and gas sensing, and fire detection. Looking back at a successful time in business he is now enjoying retirement.

“We are sad to lose a committed leader like Chris, but this is the way of the world”, said Patrick Paul, CEO of the Laser Components Group. “I am sure that Dan has the forward-thinking spirit that defines the DNA of our company. His deep industry knowledge will help Laser Components UK go beyond borders and into a bright future.”

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Laser power meter with calibration.

The PRONTO-250-FLEX laser power meter from GENTEC-EO offers flexible calibration options to ensure that customers only pay for the functions they actually use. The compact, handy device is exclusively distributed by Laser Components in Europe and is ideal for mobile use during maintenance and repair work.

Three calibration options are available:

• Basic broadband calibration “Y”: from UV to the NIR range (248 nm to 2.5 µm).
• Additional calibration “C”: for CO2 lasers (10.6 µm).
• Additional calibration “E”: for single-shot energy measurements with ± 5% accuracy.

The calibrations of the PRONTO-250-FLEX are metrologically traceable to NIST at 1064 nm and optionally at 10.6 µm. The same applies to the wavelength correction. It is therefore ensured that all measurement results comply with the international standards defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

One of the key reasons for the success of the PRONTO 250 series is its intuitive touchscreen interface and wide measuring range (0.5 W - 250 W). If desired, the measurement data can be saved on the device and transferred to a computer over a USB interface for evaluation and storage.

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Laser sharp website.

Laser Components has completely redesigned its Internet presence. This not only affects the external appearance: the entire content architecture has been reorganized. This strongly customer-oriented structure was based on a comprehensive market and customer analysis.

The new website reflects the corporate structure. Each sales region has its own website tailored to the respective market and its customers. A new addition is a separate section for the network technology product group, so that this target group can access all the relevant information even more quickly.

In addition to the classic product pages, Laser Components customers will also receive detailed information about applications and markets in the future. The "Photonics Portal" serves as a central information platform with company news, application reports, technical articles and many other resources. Both areas will be continuously expanded in the future.

"The strength of Laser Components is our direct contact and close cooperation with our customers," says CMO Claudia Michalke, who was in charge of the project. "This was at the forefront of the design of the new website. We want our customers to benefit from our wealth of experience and the wide-ranging knowledge of our experts at all times."

"The new website is the grand finale to the rebranding process of the past few years," adds CEO Patrick Paul. "Our marketing team really went "beyond borders" during the implementation. They created 561 individual pages for the product portfolio alone. In less than a year, they completed more than 6,000 new graphics files to make our new brand presence visible online."

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Fibre optic testing.

Easy automated a checks for higher network performance.

The Tempo Fibre Inspection Probe (FIP) from Laser Components which is a fully automated inspection tool that provides fast and reliable analysis of fibre optic connectors and associated bulkheads.

This tool can assist with verification of connector cleanliness before connecting to minimise losses and connector damage avoidance. It is also useful in certifying connector condition on installation and identifying connector damage when troubleshooting.

With a single button press, the FIP automatically focuses, captures an image, and provides a pass/fail result. The pass/fail status of the connector is instantly reported via a red/green LED on the probe. The small form factor enables inspection of difficult to reach ports.

Detailed results are shown on the iOS or Android app, which provides a report and image sharing. Both apps are readily available and come pre-loaded with pass/fail requirements from IEC 61300-3-35.

Interchangeable adaptor tips support fibre connector inspection for a wide range of patch cords and bulkhead-mounted connectors having either PC/UPC or APC polished end-faces.

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Infrared detector breakthrough.

Advanced LTO Infrared Detectors for FTIR spectroscopy applications

Laser Components has introduced its latest achievement in detector technology. By creating an ultrathin LTO detector (Lithium Tantalate - LiTaO3), the company has developed a design that minimizes noise while increasing responsivity by four times using sub-pixel binning.

The Advanced LTO Infrared Detectors operate well within room temperature with no depoling concerns and require no temperature stabilization, typical for DLaTGS detectors. These pyroelectric detectors operate within single channel voltage mode without the need for cooling.

The Advanced LTO Infrared Detectors can maintain high performance up to 1 kHz and can be used out to approximately 10 kHz with fast response to IR flux changes. The flexibility to choose a wavelength range that best fits an application is enabled with the selection of transmission windows. The prominent choice being a KBr window that transmits out to 30 μm with an option for a parlyene moisture protective coating. Additional BaF2, CaF2, CsI, CVD diamond, silicon, and ZnSe transmission windows are also available.

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Optical and optoelectronic leader appoints MD.

Laser Components Germany has appointed an additional Managing Director in Sven Schreiber. In his position as head of sales, Schreiber has been in charge of the company’s sales and marketing activities since 2014. From now on, he will join company owner Patrick Paul at the helm.

Sven Schreiber

Schreiber made his first contact to the photonics industry as a student of economics and business administration in the USA. In 2002, he joined Laser Components as an export manager and was instrumental in establishing the global distributor network that has been a cornerstone of the company’s success story ever since.

"I have been working with Sven Schreiber for many years, now, " says CEO and company owner Patrick Paul.  "During this time, we realized that we always agreed when it came to important strategic decisions. Since I am going to put my main focus on the international activities of our company group, it seemed only natural to put Sven Schreiber in charge of our home market in Germany."

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Precise distance measurement.

Pulsed Laser Diodes with Micro-optics

The highest efficiency and accuracy in distance measurement may be guaranteed with integrated micro-optics, pulsed laser diodes (PLDs) from Laser Components. So-called fast axis collimation (FAC) lenses compensate for the astigmatism that occurs with edge-emitting PLDs and thus ensures that as many photons as possible reach the target. The optics and laser diode are precisely fitted into a hermetically sealed TO package, and the window is only slightly higher. The overall beam quality is improved without additional optical or mechanical components, which can result in lower operating costs.

The PLDs with integrated FAC lenses are available for 905nm and 1550nm wavelengths. The divergence on the “fast axis” is reduced to 3.8mrad at 1550nm and 33mrad at 905nm. It can be further adjusted upon customer request.

PLDs from Laser Components are primarily used in laser rangefinders (LRFs). The accuracy of these systems depends on as many photons as possible reaching the target and being reflected back to the detector – an avalanche photodiode (APD). A beam focused by an FAC lens requires a lower output power for this purpose. This makes it possible to develop smaller LRFs that are more energy efficient without compromising the reliability of the measurement.

“Laser Components does not just manufacture standard components,” says Éric Desfonds, product manager at Laser Components Canada. “Our greatest strength is the rapid and cost-effective development of customized products. Together with our customers, we can analyze the entire optical chain with PLD and APD subsystems and then deliver a product that exactly meets their requirements.”

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Monitoring laser power.

Laser Components has succeeded in further optimizing the tolerances of polarization-independent beam splitters with an improved optical design and the broadband monitoring of production processes. These optics are used for the real-time measurement of laser power in applications in which the polarization of the laser beam can change. For example, |Rs-Rp|>0.2% applies to the reflectance values, thus the ratio of s and p polarization does not change during beam splitting.

The manufacture of polarization-independent beam splitters is a complex process in which the coating process must be carefully monitored. Usually, the coatings are deposited in an ion-assisted deposition (IAD) or ion beam sputtering (IBS) system. This produces coatings with a very high packing density, which in turn allows the optics to retain their properties even in a vacuum or under severe temperature fluctuations.

The real-time monitoring of laser power is used in applications that require permanently stable performance. If irregularities are detected, the pump power can be adjusted to compensate for them. The measurement is performed on a decoupled part of the laser beam. Even slight irregularities in the polarization of the laser would falsify the measurement results of a polarizing beam splitter.

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Integrated polarization-maintaining (PM) adapters.

Laser Components is now selling feedthroughs that can be used to guide linearly polarized light into high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum chambers. Polarization-maintaining (PM) adapters have already been integrated into the flange. This allows patch cables to be connected quickly and without additional components.

In a wavelength range from 350 nm to 2000 nm, the feedthroughs provide a hermetic seal of 10-10 to 10-12 mbar l/s. The PM fibre is sealed via a special process, which ensures an extinction rate of more than 20 dB with minimal insertion loss.

“Our customers receive high-quality feedthroughs at an affordable price,” said Dr. Andreas Hornsteiner, head of Laser Components' fiber optics business unit. "There is no easier way to feed PM fibres into vacuum chambers, cryostats, and - for use in measurement technology - into vacuum environments."

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Lasers & Photonics Standards chair.

Dr Lars Mechold, technical director at Laser Components Germany, has been elected chairman of the standards committee CEN/TC 123 – Lasers and photonics. In this role, he will play an integral part in shaping the development of European standards for lasers and photonics. 

Dr Lars Mechold

In addition to large international corporations, representatives from many research institutes and numerous medium-sized manufacturers are also represented in this expert group. They work closely with the worldwide committee ISO/TC 172/SC 9 – Lasers and electro-optical systems.

For Dr Lars Mechold, international standards are indispensable, especially in the laser industry: “Laser technology is developing rapidly. There is already hardly an area of ​​life in which lasers are not used, and yet new applications are constantly being added. You need a clearly defined framework so that everyone speaks the same language. This is how we create compatible systems, which ultimately not only means a generally higher standard of quality but also leads to greater trust between customers and suppliers.”

As technical director since 2012, Dr. Lars Mechold has coordinated the production of laser optics, laser modules, and fiber optic assemblies. He has also overseen the activities of the development department at LASER COMPONENTS Germany. As a Ph.D. of physics, he benefits not only from his scientific and technical background in his work but also from a degree in production management.

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