CNRS — CELIA, Bordeaux
Laser–matter interaction & project management
Coordinates the consortium and leads fundamental research on laser–silicon interaction in GHz-burst mode. CNRS operates the primary processing workstation and drives the material processing work packages. Led by Prof. Inka Manek-Hönninger, a world authority in GHz-burst glass drilling and recipient of The Photonics100 List 2025 recognition.
France / Project coordinator
RUB — Ruhr University Bochum
Ultrafast laser science
Responsible for designing and building the GHz-burst holmium amplifier system, including seeder, regenerative amplifier, and pulse compressor. Prof. Clara Saraceno’s PULS group holds multiple records in high-power ultrafast lasers at 2 µm, including the first 1 GHz Ho:YAG oscillator and multiple ERC grants.
Germany / Laser development
CRYTUR
Crystal growth & optical components
Grows holmium-doped laser crystals (Ho:YAG, Ho:YAP) using the Czochralski method and manufactures all custom optical components — beam shapers, axicons, and focusing lenses — with anti-reflective coatings optimised for 2 µm. A global leader in laser monocrystals since 1935.
Czech Republic / Materials & optics
LASEA
Workstation design & integration
Designs and builds the laser processing workstation, integrating galvo scanners, optics, and controls for 2 µm operation. Adapts the CNRS test bench and delivers the final industrial-ready platform to RUB/RAYVEN in Bochum for long-term exploitation. Led by Dr. David Bruneel with 17 years in advanced laser systems.
Belgium / System integration
RAYVEN
Laser prototyping & dissemination
Delivers the initial single-pulse 2 µm prototype laser to kick-start silicon processing experiments, then engineers the final compact GHz-burst prototype. Leads dissemination, the project website, and industry engagement. Founded in 2025 as a spin-off from RUB, with national funding already secured.
Germany / Start-up & commercialisation
Advisory board
An advisory board including semiconductor industry experts from IMEC brings an industrial perspective on TSV requirements, guiding the consortium’s technical choices throughout the project.