Novel Semiconductor Lasers for the Industrial Quantum Leap

Informacje na temat projektu

SEMIQLEAP

Identyfikator umowy o grant: 101166330

DOI

10.3030/101166330

Projekt został zamknięty

Data podpisania przez KE 5 Kwietnia 2024

Data rozpoczęcia 1 Maja 2024

Data zakończenia 30 Kwietnia 2026

Finansowanie w ramach

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Koszt całkowity

€ 3 464 911,25

Wkład UE

€ 2 425 437,88

Koordynowany przez

VEXLUM OY
Finland

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

Okres sprawozdawczy: 2025-05-01 do 2026-04-30

Podsumowanie kontekstu i ogólnych celów projektu

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.

Prace wykonane od początku projektu do końca okresu sprawozdawczego oraz najważniejsze dotychczasowe rezultaty

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.

Innowacyjność oraz oczekiwany potencjalny wpływ (w tym dotychczasowe znaczenie społeczno-gospodarcze i szersze implikacje społeczne projektu)

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.