Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 
Fraunhofer IOSB researches and develops high-power solid-state lasers based on crystals doped with rare earth ions (Er3+, Tm3+, Ho3+) as well as nonlinear light sources based on nonlinear optical converter materials such as ZGP (ZnGeP2), CSP (CdSiP2) or oriented grown gallium arsenide (OP-GaAs) covering the spectral range from shortwave to longwave infrared from 1.5 µm to 12 µm. Such light sources can be used in a wide range of technological applications, such as molecular spectroscopy, LIDAR, free-beam optical communications, remote sensing, and optronic countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles.
Solid-state laser sources
In addition to the investigation of underlying physical relationships, the conception and realization of robust and compact laser designs represents an essential part of the research and development activities at IOSB. This includes the continuous improvement of high power solid state lasers, their extension by additional functionalities and especially the upscaling of laser output power and pulse energy.
Ho3+:YAG lasers pumped with thulium-doped fiber lasers represent a good example of this, where extremely compact and robust pulsed laser sources with a peak power of more than 1.2 MW could be realized by optimizing the resonator geometry.
A core competence of IOSB here is to achieve best beam quality as well as reliable and trouble-free operation at high average power or high pulse energy over a long lifetime. This includes detailed modeling of high-power lasers already in an early design phase as well as the application of novel laser architectures for low-SWaP laser systems such as self-stabilizing resonator topologies, non-planar ring resonators, novel resonator-internal components as well as the use of specially adapted control and regulation electronics.
Research for partners and customers
Within the framework of joint research projects, IOSB enables customers and partners to develop customized solutions, in particular in the area of laser sources in the short-infrared spectral range and optical parametric oscillators (OPO) in the mid- and long-infrared spectral range for applications ranging from LIDAR and remote sensing, plastics processing and medical material ablation to applications in the defense sector.
Joint research projects will also enable partners and customers to determine the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of optics, which will allow targeted improvement of manufacturing processes and refinement steps of optical components.