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The Innovation Award is entering its fourth round

The Innovation Award, which is presented in cooperation with the British trade publisher Europa Science, is entering its fourth round! All exhibitors at Laser World of Photonics and World of Quantum were invited to submit their innovation(s) in various categories by March 21, 2025.

The categories

The following categories are available:

Logo for the Innovation Award of Laser World of Photonics and Europa Science, with the icon of a light bulb on a turquoise diamond.

Laser World of Photonics Innovation Award 2025 – Short list

The Innovation Award jury has selected a shortlist of the best innovations. The category winners and the overall winner will now be determined from these.

The Innovation Award comes with prize money of 5,000 EUR. This award is sponsored by Europa Science with the trade publications Electro Optics, Laser Systems/Europe, Fibre Systems and Imaging and Machine Vision Europe, as well as Laser World of Photonics.

Here is an overview by category:

Laser and optoelectronics / Illumination and energy

PeakPower High LDT Low GDD Ultrafast Mirrors’ ability to maintain > 99.5% reflectivity and a near-0 GDD while achieving the highest available laser damage threshold (LDT) is unique in the market, exceeding 0.75J/cm2 for 25fs pulse durations at 920nm. Clever combinations of coating layer materials and optimized coating processes allow for these demanding specifications to be achieved simultaneously, where normally LDT must be sacrificed for high reflectivity and GDD, or vice versa.

To exhibitor directory

The TruMicro 9010 is the most powerful industrial ultra-short pulse laser in its class, delivering 10 GW peak power at a 100 kHz repetition rate and an outstanding 1 kW average power. By combining a slab laser module with a multi-pass cell, the TruMicro 9010 offers exceptional flexibility with repetition rates from 100 kHz (10 mJ) to 50 MHz (20 µJ), including burst modes. Its unmatched power and precision enable efficient scaling of existing applications and pave the way for new industrial use cases.

To exhibitor directory

Biophotonics and medical engineering

Futonics’ 2 µm thulium fibre laser delivers 1000 W QCW / 200 W CW and incorporates a patented coupling system, engineered in Germany for advanced performance and long-term stability. The system enables precise and minimally invasive lithotripsy, contributing to progress in laser-based medical procedures.

To exhibitor directory

Unlock new possibilities with our pocket-sized 1030 nm femtosecond laser oscillator, delivering >1 W average power and <200 fs pulses at 50 MHz. Its ultra-compact footprint of 70×49×28 mm³ -including cooling and electronics- enables seamless integration into portable and space-limited setups. Enjoy cutting-edge performance for biomedical applications such as optogenetics or 2-photon imaging, advanced research, and as robust seed source for amplifiers - all in a footprint that fits anywhere!

To exhibitor directory

Completely replacing the free-space paths between a watt-level femtosecond laser and a two-photon microscope is a game-changer for modern microscopy. By delivering femtosecond pulses directly from the laser source to the microscope via an optical fiber, users can enable entirely new microscope designs while significantly improving laser safety and usability. With the FemtoFiber ultra FD there's no need for mirror alignment or for power meters - automated fiber coupling makes setup fast and easy.

To exhibitor directory

Quantum technologies

The attoCMC enables easy access to cryogenic temperatures required for photonic quantum technologies. Its compact, automated design eliminates complex lab infrastructure, cuts operational costs, and lowers energy consumption. Running on low power with no need for external cooling, it is ideal for real applications in datacenters. The plug-and-play system accelerates innovation, helping users quickly implement quantum solutions in real-world environments.

To World of Quantum exhibitor directory

The MENHIR-1030 is the first industrial-grade 1 GHz femtosecond laser, offering ultra-low noise, extreme stability, and 24/7 maintenance-free operation. Its compact, user-friendly design makes it perfect for high-precision tasks, from generating high-flux single and entangled photons in quantum technologies to achieving ultra-high peak power with coherent combining and enabling GHz burst mode in material processing. This ensures precise, reliable performance with minimal user effort.

To exhibitor directory

Explore wide mode-hop-free tuning from 750 to 790 nm! Perfect for pumping and probing (micro) cavities and Rb or K atoms, or for characterizing photonic devices across a broad wavelength range.

CTL lasers are the perfect choice when your application demands large mode-hop-free tuning ranges – from resonant excitation of tiny structures like quantum dots and micro-cavities, to molecular spectroscopy and advanced component testing.

To World of Quantum exhibitor directory

Optics / Manufacturing technology for optics

Midel Photonics pioneers All-Reflective Beam Shaping, using innovative microstructured mirrors for precise beam shaping, splitting, and focusing. Laser applications often suffer from unsuitable energy distribution, limiting quality and increasing costs. Midel Photonics' reflective optics solve these issues by providing optimal energy distribution, significantly reducing energy losses, enhancing performance, and giving customers a competitive edge in macro- and micro-machining and life sciences.

To exhibitor directory

OPTOMAN’s Non-Degrading UV Optics set a new industry standard by eliminating performance degradation and enabling high-power UV laser applications. These mirrors are optimised for ultrashort (fs/ps) pulse regimes at UV wavelengths (257 nm and 343 nm), which are crucial for demanding industrial laser processing applications. Unlike conventional UV optics that begin to degrade after 1,000 hours of high-power laser exposure, they maintain peak performance beyond 10,000 hours.

To exhibitor directory

Sensors, test and measurement / Optical measuring systems / Imaging

A new optical wafer tester compatible expands existing standard semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE) with fab-capable optical test hardware. It integrates tightly with ATE to support double-sided electro-optical (e-o) test of a wafer – DC and high-data-rate test capability above, and six-axis actively aligned optical probing below. The new tester is targeted at volume e-o test of wafer-level silicon photonics (PICs) destined for AI-driven co-packaged optics (CPO) chiplet applications.

To exhibitor directory

Hamamatsu Photonics introduces its cost-effective fingertip-sized UV spectrometer C16767MA, which is highly sensitive in the UV range using proprietary MEMS technology. C16767MA splits UV light in the range of 190 to 440 nm into individual wavelengths and then measures the light intensity at each wavelength with high resolution. Thanks to its innovative, compact design, the UV mini spectrometer can be easily integrated into environmental measuring devices.

To exhibitor directory

SPAD Alpha is a megapixel single-photon camera, available in color or monochrome. It offers zero readout noise, dark count rate below 100 cps, and global shutter for nanosecond exposures. It supports full-resolution photon counting up to 73,000 fps, and tunable resolution to reach over a million fps. With 6-ns gating and 17-ps shift resolution, it enables time-resolved imaging. SPAD Alpha delivers high SNR, over 100 dB dynamic range, and outperforms standard cameras in low-light and 3D imaging.

To exhibitor directory

Laser systems for industrial production engineering

FemtoLux is a 50 W femtosecond laser with unmatched reliability thanks to its innovative Direct Refrigerant Cooling (DRC) system—proven in military use with 90,000 h MTBF.

DRC eliminates the need for servicing, reduces the laser footprint, and is the most efficient cooling method available. Compact and maintenance-free, it offers 24/7/365 operation, <0.5% power stability and advanced options like harmonics (515 nm, 343 nm), pulse-on-demand and GHz burst for demanding micromachining tasks.

To exhibitor directory

K2-ASOPS is a compact 60 MHz femtosecond laser producing two output beams, from nearly the same components as a single laser, with one key difference: each beam runs at nearly identical repetition rates, but with a controllable and stable difference. This light source represents a new class of ultrafast lasers with the potential to revolutionize laser measurement applications, such as semiconductor wafer inspection, layer thickness analysis, adhesion inspection, and other advanced material characterization.

To exhibitor directory

Zwobbel-IR-HP by ROBUST AO enables real-time axial beam shaping in high-power lasers (up to 20 kW), using a deformable mirror oscillating at up to 3500 Hz. It adjusts Rayleigh length, spot size, and intensity profile for dynamic control of energy density. Compact (<500 g) and easy to integrate, it enhances 3D laser processing, boosting speed (+90%), quality, and efficiency in cutting, welding, and structuring.

To exhibitor directory

Optical information and communication / Security

The O-Band Quantum Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (QD SOA) delivers EDFA-like performance for the first time in a compact, electrically pumped semiconductor device. It provides either simultaneous amplification of multiple modulated laser lines with minimal BER degradation or very high output power at a single wavelength. This uncooled, energy-efficient SOA enables advanced platforms for datacom, AI connectivity, terrestrial Free Space Optical (FSO) links, FMCW LiDAR, and optical switching.

To exhibitor directory

The new PSH 20/2 and PSH 35/2 are piezo-driven, high-performance two-axis tilting stages delivering up to ±22 mrad tilt, 1.0 µrad resolution (closed loop), and up to 2 kHz resonance. Originally developed as Fast Steering Mirrors (FSMs) for space, they offer unmatched speed, precision, and low power use in extreme conditions. PSH 35/2 adds stroke and thermal stability; PSH 20/2 excels in efficiency and high-frequency operation—redefining beam control in laser, photonics, and aerospace systems.

To exhibitor directory

Zerothird GmbH’s eQKD systems use polarization-entangled photon pairs and superconducting nanowire detectors for secure quantum key distribution (BBM92 protocol). The industrial design includes a photonic layer that eliminates optical realignment, improving reliability and stability in real-world environments. The systems support short- and long-distance links (up to 350 km) and star-topology networks, offering enhanced security for critical communication infrastructure.

To World of Quantum exhibitor directory

Jury of the Innovation Award 2025

NameCompany

Tom Hausken

Optica—formerly OSA

Agnes Huebscher

Edmund Optics GmbH

Dr. Chris Yates

Vision Ventures, Germany

Dr. Wilhelm Kaenders

TOPTICA Photonics AG

Prof. Peter Loosen

Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik ILT

Prof. Jürgen Popp

Leibniz-Institut für Photonische Technologien Jena

Dr. Peter Soldan

VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH

Prof. Ronald Sroka

LIFE-Center, Hospital of University Munich

Dr. Wenko Süptitz

SPECTARIS

Prof. Andreas Tünnermann

Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF

Prof. Paul Urbach

TU Delft

3 steps to your participation in the Innovation Award

1. Submit innovation(s): January 2025 – March 21, 2025

Submit your innovation(s) in English via the Exhibitor Shop by March 21, 2025. The submissions should meet the following criteria:

  • The product has been launched for the first time after LASER World of PHOTONICS 2023 (June 2023).
  • It is a market-ready system that can be purchased by end customers or system integrators and not a prototype; brand new products should be scheduled to be physically demonstrated/launched at Laser World of Photonics 2025 / World of Quantum 2025 at the latest.
  • If possible please reference a price range, the targeted customer group, and maybe already a first customer/interested party.

2. Selection process: starting March 24, 2025

Starting on March 24, 2025, the jury will review the entries and select the three best innovations in each category. Subsequently, the respective category winners will be determined in a voting process from the TOP 3 rankings, and the innovation award winner will be determined from the category winners.

3. Innovation Award ceremony: June 24, 2025

The award ceremony will take place on June 24, 2025 as part of the exhibitor evening of Laser World of Photonics 2025.

Sponsors

Review 2023: The award winners

In 2023, Civan Lasers won the 5,000 EUR Innovation Award for its DBL 100 KW. Congratulations!

The category winners 2023:

  • Civan Lasers—DBL 100 KW (Laser systems for industrial production engineering)
  • Twenty-One Semiconductors GmbH—MEXL Gain Crystals (Laser and optoelectronics / Illumination and energy)
  • PicoQuant—Luminosa (Biophotonics and medical engineering)
  • Ushio, high power 700nm laser diode (Quantum Technologies)
  • Trioptics—OptiSurf® with LensGage (Optics / Manufacturing technology for optics)
  • Castor Optics—Thorlabs—2 Mode Selective Photonic Lantern (Sensors, test and measurement / Optical Measuring Systems / Imaging)

A group of five men holding a large check and an award from the Innovation Award 2023.
© Messe München GmbH

Photo gallery of the Innovation Award 2023

A row of transparent
© Messe München GmbH
A crowd gathers to eat at tables in front of an exhibition hall. In the background is a large sign for
© Messe München GmbH
People sitting at tables in the atrium between the exhibition halls, surrounded by trees. A brass band can be seen in the foreground.
© Messe München GmbH
Numerous people are eating at beer stands on the open-air grounds between exhibition halls A1 and B1. A stage can be seen in the background.
© Messe München GmbH
A group of people in front of a stage in front of an exhibition hall where three speakers are announcing an award ceremony.
© Messe München GmbH
A group of people with awards stand in front of an exhibition hall and a poster of the World of Photonics.
© Messe München GmbH
Two men in suits hand over an award and shake hands with the winner.
© Messe München GmbH
Three people with awards from the Innovation Award 2023, flanked by two men in suits.
© Messe München GmbH
A group of people pose with awards in front of an exhibition hall and a poster of the World of Photonics.
© Messe München GmbH
A group of five men holding a large check and an award from the Innovation Award 2023.
© Messe München GmbH
People sit on beer benches outside and chat at a well-attended event.
© Messe München GmbH
People are sitting at tables outside with drinks and chatting. A brass band is playing on a stage in the background.
© Messe München GmbH
People sitting at outdoor tables with a stage and musicians in front of an exhibition hall.
© Messe München GmbH
Two men cut a large, elongated cake on an etagere with cupcakes in front of an exhibition hall.
© Messe München GmbH
Four men with awards from the Innovation Award 2023, flanked by two men in suits.
© Messe München GmbH
Four men in suits hold an award and a certificate in their hands. The key visual of the laser can be seen in the background.
© Messe München GmbH
A row of transparent
A crowd gathers to eat at tables in front of an exhibition hall. In the background is a large sign for
People sitting at tables in the atrium between the exhibition halls, surrounded by trees. A brass band can be seen in the foreground.
Numerous people are eating at beer stands on the open-air grounds between exhibition halls A1 and B1. A stage can be seen in the background.
A group of people in front of a stage in front of an exhibition hall where three speakers are announcing an award ceremony.
A group of people with awards stand in front of an exhibition hall and a poster of the World of Photonics.
Two men in suits hand over an award and shake hands with the winner.
Three people with awards from the Innovation Award 2023, flanked by two men in suits.
A group of people pose with awards in front of an exhibition hall and a poster of the World of Photonics.
A group of five men holding a large check and an award from the Innovation Award 2023.
People sit on beer benches outside and chat at a well-attended event.
People are sitting at tables outside with drinks and chatting. A brass band is playing on a stage in the background.
People sitting at outdoor tables with a stage and musicians in front of an exhibition hall.
Two men cut a large, elongated cake on an etagere with cupcakes in front of an exhibition hall.
Four men with awards from the Innovation Award 2023, flanked by two men in suits.
Four men in suits hold an award and a certificate in their hands. The key visual of the laser can be seen in the background.
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