Coherent Introduces Infrared Wire-Grid Polarizers With Industry-Breakthrough Performance for Atmospheric Remote Sensing
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Insights
The introduction of Coherent Corp's new family of mid-wavelength and long-wavelength infrared wire-grid polarizers represents a significant advancement in the field of laser-based atmospheric remote sensing. The application of meta-optics wire technology in these polarizers is a noteworthy development, as it allows for a contrast ratio significantly higher than existing technologies. This contrast enhancement is critical for improving the sensitivity of measurements in applications such as greenhouse gas monitoring, which relies heavily on the ability to detect subtle differences in light properties.
From an engineering perspective, the use of non-oxidizing materials for the nanopatterned wires is a strategic move that should enhance the durability and lifespan of these components. Traditional wire-grid polarizers made from materials like aluminum or silver can degrade over time, especially in harsh environmental conditions. The choice of zinc selenide substrates for the LWIR applications also indicates a focus on minimizing absorption and maximizing performance.
The environmental implications of Coherent Corp's new infrared WGPs are substantial. Enhanced remote sensing capabilities enable more accurate and sensitive environmental monitoring, particularly in tracking atmospheric greenhouse gases. This technological leap could support efforts to combat climate change by providing better data for climate models and informing policy decisions. The ability to detect and quantify emissions more accurately can lead to more effective regulatory frameworks and could potentially impact industries such as energy production, manufacturing and agriculture, which are often under scrutiny for their environmental impact.
From a market perspective, Coherent Corp's announcement is likely to position the company as a leader in the optics segment for laser-based remote sensing—a market that is expected to grow with the increasing emphasis on environmental monitoring and sustainable practices. The commercial availability of the MWIR polarizers and the upcoming release of the LWIR polarizers could capture significant market share if they deliver on their performance promises. Furthermore, the company's in-house capabilities to grow, polish, coat and nanopattern substrates could offer a competitive edge in terms of cost efficiency and supply chain control.
Investors and stakeholders in the optics and environmental monitoring sectors will be watching closely to see how the market responds to these new products and whether Coherent can successfully translate its technological innovations into financial growth.
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a leader in diffractive optics, today announced the introduction of a family of mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) wire-grid polarizers (WGPs) with industry-breakthrough performance for laser-based atmospheric remote sensing applications.
Laser-based metrology such as for greenhouse gas monitoring is driving the demand for high-performance optics to improve measurement sensitivity. Coherent introduced a new family of infrared WGPs operating in the MWIR over 3-5 µm and the LWIR over 7-14 µm, based on meta-optics wire technology that achieves a contrast ratio of an order of magnitude greater than the highest-performing comparable products in the industry. The meta-optics wires of the WGPs are nanopatterned with non-oxidizing materials, which significantly increases their reliability compared with existing wire-grid polarizers made from aluminum, copper, or silver materials.
“Our new family of infrared WGPs leverages our materials expertise in infrared optics and our decades of development in meta-optics and nanopatterning,” said Steve Rummel, Senior Vice President, Engineered Materials and Laser Optics Business Unit. “The WGPs designed for LWIR applications leverage our low-absorption dielectric thin films on zinc selenide substrates that are grown, polished, coated, and nanopatterned in-house.”
Coherent’s broad portfolio of components for laser-based remote sensing also includes optical isolators, collimators, beam expanders, and galvo mirrors. The MWIR polarizers are available now, and the LWIR polarizers will be generally available in the third quarter of calendar 2024.
Coherent leverages its diffractive optics technology platform for a wide range of products and applications, including state-of-the-art diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for beam shaping in high-power laser processing, as well as volume Bragg gratings and diffraction gratings with applications in communications and medicine. Coherent also offers wafer-scale all-glass DOEs based on metasurfaces, or meta-optics elements (MOEs), that are ideal for large-volume applications such as in consumer electronics.
Coherent will showcase its broad range of products and innovations for sensing at Photonics West 2024 in San Francisco, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Booth #4805.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Contact
Mark Lourie
Vice President, Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@coherent.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1da4a253-9a57-4c9d-a452-e43851dd704f
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