Strategic Research Alliance between NKT Photonics and Fraunhofer IOF Jena for PCF Technologies

Birkerød, Denmark; Jena, Germany | /

NKT Photonics A/S and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF announce a strategic research alliance between both partners. Within the agreement NKT Photonics A/S licensed parts of its unique Photonic Crystal Fiber technology to the Fraunhofer IOF.

© Fraunhofer IOF
Christian Vestergaard Poulsen, Prof. Andreas Tünnermann and Jakob Skov (from left) at the signing ceremony of the strategic research alliance between NKT Photonics and the Fraunhofer IOF Jena

For more than a decade NKT Photonics (previously Crystal Fibre) has pioneered the field of photonic crystal fibers and today the technology forms the backbone of several high performance product areas such as supercontinuum lasers and ultrafast fiber lasers. Several major laser companies worldwide have embraced the technology and offer high-performance fiber laser products based on fibers and gain blocks from NKT Photonics.

Fraunhofer IOF Jena has been a partner and pioneer customer of NKT Photonics for many years and holds numerous fiber laser performance records using jointly developed fibers from NKT Photonics. As one of the leaders within the field, Fraunhofer IOF Jena is an ideal partner for NKT Photonics, CEO Jakob Skov explains:

“Our goal is to bring PCF technology forward in industrial commercialization and we believe that is best achieved by partnerships and collaborations. Having a strong IP position within an area comes with a certain responsibility and we want to help others to be successful using our technology. We have previously given licenses to several companies and today we take another important step with Fraunhofer IOF Jena whom we consider one of the research power houses in fiber laser technology and excellent market experience.”

In 2017 the Fraunhofer IOF will open a new PCF facility with a mission of conducting application-oriented research in the field of optical systems engineering. Prof. Dr. Andreas Tünnermann, Director of IOF Jena points out: “This strategic research alliance combines the competencies of NKT Photonics and the Fraunhofer IOF. Together we foster the development of new technologies and markets, especially in the field of production, health care, as well as security.  ”

Fraunhofer IOF Jena

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF develops innovative optical components and systems. We offer »Solutions with Light« for the markets production, health care, mobility, aerospace, security, as well as research and science. Our competencies chart the entire photonics process chain, from system design to the manufacture of prototype systems.

NKT Photonics A/S

NKT Photoncis is the leading supplier of high performance fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers. Our main markets are within imaging, the energy sector and material processing. Our products include OCT imaging systems, pulsed lasers, such as supercontinuum sources, ultra-low noise DFB fiber lasers and a wide range of specialty fibers. NKT Photonics has its headquarters in Denmark with sales and service worldwide. NKT Photonics is wholly owned by NKT Holding A/S.