QCSEL Laser Technology | ETH Zürich

Soon-to-be ETH Spinoff

Potential opportunity for Seed Stage investment

Overview

  • Location: ETH Zürich | Quantum Optoelectronics Group

  • Key Technology: Quantum Cascade Surface Emitting Laser (QCSEL) - low footprint, mid--IR range laser technology

  • Potential Applications: Chemical sensing, medical & diagnostics, defense technology

  • Investment Opportunity: The group is a soon-to-be startup with high potential, deep-tech positioned competitively in the optoelectronics field. With a strong team and promising IP protection, and valuable market fit in gas sensing technology - they could offer a >15x return on investment. Now could be an ideal time for investors to build a relationship over the next 6 months to solidify their position as a leader in the company’s seed round.

Team & Key People

Dr. David Stark

Cofounder & Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich

Pioneer Fellow at ETH

Dr. Mathieu Bertrand

Cofounder & Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich

Dr. Philipp Täschler

Cofounder & Postdoctoral Researcher at ETH Zurich

Prof. Dr. Jérôme Faist

Advisor to Startup | ETH Professor | Co-inventor of Quantum Cascade Lasers at Bell Laboratories

Tech & Innovation

  • Core Technology: Quantum Cascade Surface Emitting Lasers (QCSELs)

  • Key Features:

    • QCSELS are surface-emitting lasers with desirable properties:

      • high spectral purity

      • Low power dissipation

      • Compact and lightweight design

      • Single-mode operation with high side-mode suppression

    • High-throughput production of QCSELS with parameter sweep

      • The team has innovated a method of rapidly testing 1000s of QCSEL designs on a single silicon wafer

      • Parameter sweeps to optimize a QCSEL for a specific application enable rapid, low cost development previously impossible

  • Patents and Intellectual Property: (2) Patents in 2022

  • David Stark presented their novel QCSEL technology on 13 March 2024 at a conference discussing Novel In-Plane Semiconductor Lasers XXIII.

    See the presentation here.

    Abstract

    A crucial element for the next generation of portable gas sensors for high-volume applications, especially involving chemical sensing of important greenhouse and pollutant gases, is the development of a low-cost, low-power consuming, single-frequency laser operating in the mid-infrared spectral range. In this regard, we propose the implementation of a Quantum Cascade Surface Emitting Laser (QCSEL). Our design involves a linear microcavity with high reflectivity coated end-mirrors and a buried semiconductor diffraction grating to extract the light from the surface.

Business Opportunity

  • Target Markets: The QCSEL technology has a variety of potential markets focused largely on sensing:

    • Defense (Directed Infrared Countermeasures, Standoff Detection)

    • Environmental Monitoring

    • Medical Diagnostics

    • Industrial Process Control

  • Revenue Potential:

    • QCSEL Laser Sales: ~$500M — $2B / yr

    • High-throughput Production & Optimization Services: ~ $25M / yr

    • R&D Collaborations: ~ $15M

  • One appealing market which is rapidly growing due to recent uproar of conflict is the defense technology space. Specifically, "Direct Infrared Countermeasures" or DIRCM could be a relevant application for the novel QCSEL technology.

    Market Size: The global DIRCM market is projected to grow significantly, driven by increasing defense budgets and technological advancements. Estimates suggest the market could reach approximately > $9.5 billion by 2032, growing at a steady CAGR due to rising security threats and defense modernization efforts.

    Relevance for QCSELs: While Quantum Cascade Lasers have already been established in DIRCM by companies such as Leonardo DRS, QCSELs could offer unique value propositions to transform the DIRCM field. As airspace strategy shifts towards smaller, autonomous drones for operations, the need for low-power devices and sensors is imperative. The QCSEL technology could potentially enable DIRCM systems for drones and protection against infrared-guided missiles.

  • Environmental monitoring represents a high-impact application for QCSEL technology driven by stringent environmental regulations and increasing awareness of air quality issues.

    Market Size: The environmental monitoring market is expected to grow from $20.13 billion in 2023 to approximately $38.76 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.81%

    QCSEL Relevance: QCSELs offer a number of attributes that are appealing for environmental monitoring:

    • High Spectral Purity: QCSELs provide precise identification of specific gas molecules due to their narrow linewidth.

    • Mid-Infrared Emission: Effective for detecting molecular fingerprints in the MIR region.

    • Portability: Low power consumption and compact design facilitate field deployment.

    • Real-Time Monitoring: Enables immediate feedback and accurate environmental assessments.

    These attributes enable more accurate, real-time detection of environmental pollutants, supporting efforts to monitor and improve air quality effectively. The deployment of QCSEL-based sensors can lead to better environmental management and compliance with regulatory standards, making them a valuable tool in the field of environmental monitoring.

  • The medical diagnostics market & medical laser applications are appealing for the QCSEL technology as health trends shift towards a preference for minimal invasiveness.

    Market Size Estimate: The medical laser market, including diagnostics, is projected to grow from $4.9 billion in 2022 to $18.7 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 14.5%.

    Relevance of QCSELs: QCSELS have unique attributes that would be highly valuable for medical laser applications:

    • Precision Diagnostics: High spectral resolution for accurate detection of biomarkers.

    • Non-Invasive Procedures: Ideal for developing compact diagnostic devices for various medical conditions.

    • Real-Time Analysis: Provides immediate diagnostic results, improving patient care.

  • Monitoring of industrial processes includes gas analyzers and monitors, gas detectors, air quality monitors, and specific industrial applications such as HVAC systems, oil and gas, and chemical processing​. This market presents a number of interesting applications for the QCSEL technology.

    Market Size Estimate: The industrial gas sensing and monitoring market is projected to grow from $1.5 billion in 2023 to $2.3 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.7%.

    Relevance for QCSEL: QCSELs can provide a low-cost, high sensitivity method for process control and gas monitoring. Specifically:

    • High Sensitivity: QCSELs provide high sensitivity and specificity in detecting trace gases, making them ideal for monitoring industrial emissions and ensuring regulatory compliance.

    • Real-Time Monitoring: They enable real-time monitoring of gas concentrations, which is critical for process optimization and safety. This includes detecting hazardous gases like carbon monoxide, methane, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

    • Precision Control: The narrow linewidth and high spectral purity of QCSELs allow for precise control over process parameters. This is essential in industries like chemical manufacturing, where exact concentrations of reactants need to be monitored and controlled.