Novel Semiconductor Lasers for the Industrial Quantum Leap

Projektinformationen

SEMIQLEAP

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101166330

DOI

10.3030/101166330

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 5 April 2024

Startdatum 1 Mai 2024

Enddatum 30 April 2026

Finanziert unter

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Gesamtkosten

€ 3 464 911,25

EU-Beitrag

€ 2 425 437,88

Koordiniert durch

VEXLUM OY
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SEMIQLEAP (Novel Semiconductor Lasers for the Industrial Quantum Leap)

Berichtszeitraum: 2025-05-01 bis 2026-04-30

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

Quantum technologies are rapidly evolving, with increasing demand for compact, powerful, and cost-efficient laser systems tailored for quantum computers and ultra-precise optical atomic clocks. SEMIQLEAP’s primary objective is to industrialize a novel laser platform based on the vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) architecture. The project focused on transforming Vexlum’s unique VECSEL-based technology from early-stage innovation into a scalable and robust solution ready for high-volume quantum system integration.
To achieve this, SEMIQLEAP is advancing along three key technological avenues:
1. Scaling semiconductor gain chip fabrication to Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8) and enabling high-volume production.
2. Establishing automated characterization and benchmarking processes for semiconductor quality assurance and standardization.
3. Developing automated assembly processes for OEM laser modules to meet the stringent requirements of industrial customers, including extended lifetime and easy serviceability.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

The project has made significant progress across all development fronts. Major advances were achieved in gain chip performance, particularly in the 700–800 nm wavelength range, where output power reached the 10W level and lifetime improve more than 100-fold; both critical goals for trapped ion and neutral atom quantum applications as well as semiconductor metrology. Concurrently, key automation processes have been implemented in wafer production and chip characterization, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and quality control.
In terms of system integration, Vexlum developed and launched a new OEM laser platform VXL® with integrated smart and low-noise electronics, showcasing compact form factor and high-power capability (see details at https://vexlum.com/technology). In addition, the team prototyped and pre-marketed the next even smaller VXS® product line with automated assembly for volume applications.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

By addressing the technical bottlenecks of industrial quantum technology deployment, SEMIQLEAP is positioning Europe as a leader in next-generation semiconductor laser systems. The project supports scalable quantum hardware development, enhances the competitiveness of European industry, and directly contributes to the strategic objective of technological sovereignty in quantum technologies.