Lumen Project Explores Visible Fiber Laser Technology

The LUMEN project builds on previous developments in silica-based infrared fiber lasers, which have found applications in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, ophthalmology, and materials processing. However, silica fibers are not suitable for use in the visible spectrum. To address this, the LUMEN project is working with fluoride glass fiber technology, a material first developed in Brittany more than 50 years ago. These fibers are better adapted to visible wavelengths and are being used as the basis for the project’s work.

Addressing Technical Challenges

LUMEN focuses on adapting several established technologies from silica fibers to fluoride glass. These include double-clad fiber architectures, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs), and pump/signal combiners. The project also considers practical challenges such as power handling, the durability of components, and long-term system reliability.

A Collaborative Approach

The project brings together several partners with complementary expertise:

Le Verre Fluoré – responsible for designing specialty fibers and fiber-based modules

Oxxius – develops the laser systems

Alphanov – works on optical component development and industrialization

Université Jean Monnet (Saint-Étienne) – develops FBGs

CORIA (Rouen) – focuses on pump/signal combiners

CIMAP (Caen) – works on optimizing laser configurations

Potential Applications

There are currently limited options for compact and efficient laser sources in the visible spectrum that operate in the 1–10 watt power range. Yet, this level of output can be useful in a number of areas, including super-resolution microscopy, DNA sequencing, and quantum control of atoms.

The LUMEN project aims to provide laser technologies that meet these specific needs, with potential relevance in fields such as biomedical imaging and quantum research.

Next Steps

The project is at an early stage. Current efforts are centered on fiber design and fabrication, component development, and the creation of initial blue pump modules. Work is underway to optimize rare-earth-doped fluoride fibers, adapt components to this material platform, and prepare for system integration.

LUMEN partners

The LUMEN project is supported by BPIFrance, AlphaRLH, Images & Réseaux, and the France 2030 initiative.

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