The delegation of the Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (LPI RAS) took part in the 18th International specialized exhibition of laser, optical and optoelectronic equipment “Photonics. World of Lasers and Optics”, which took place at the Expocentre (Moscow) (March 26 to 29, 2024. The organizers of the exhibition were JSC “Expocentre” and the Laser Association, of which the LPI RAS has been a member since its establishment.

The exhibition brought together representatives of companies producing laser and optical products, research institutes, and leading educational institutions from Russia, Belarus, and Armenia. The “Photonics-2024” exhibition featured the products and services of over 100 specialized Chinese companies. The editorial board of the scientific and technical journal “Photonics Russia” (headed by the director of the LPI RAS (branch in Troitsk), full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.V. Naumov) traditionally acted as an media partner for the event.

On the exposition of LPI RAS was shown the institute’s scientific and technological developments in optics, laser technologies, photonics and sensors, optical holography and lithography, microelectronics, working prototypes of experimental setups, samples of precision optical products, laser crystals, and microstructures. Throughout the exhibition, developments from the branches of LPI RAS (Troitsk and Samara) were sequentially presented, including joint developments from the departments:

1. Compact high-coherence tunable diode laser with an external resonator for high-resolution spectroscopy (Frequency Standarts Laboratory, Department of Laser Technologies, LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk). Such lasers are used in precision spectroscopy, quantum optics, and for laser cooling of rubidium atoms. Ultracold atomic ensembles are a powerful tool for many modern experiments in such areas as quantum technologies and fundamental research. The wavelength of the exhibition prototype of the compact diode laser is stabilized using a cell filled with rubidium atom pairs manufactured using an original technology. Atom cells are used as sensitive elements in optical and microwave frequency standards, optically pumped quantum magnetometers, Xe isotope NMR gyroscopes. The exhibition was prepared by the scientists of the Frequency Standards Laboratory of the LPI RAS: V.L. Velichansky, M.I. Vaskovskaya, V.V. Vasiliev, D.S. Chuchelov; the head of the laboratory is S.A. Zibrov.

2. Exhibition stand – a model of a windshield display based on large-scale planar holographic periscopes for mobile devices (Laboratory of Superfast Optoelectronics and Information Processing (SOIP), Basov Quantum Radio Physics Department of the LPI RAS). The SOIP laboratory at the LPI RAS explores the creating new technologies and schemes for compact augmented reality displays using wide-aperture holographic mirrors, off-axis lenses, and waveguide holograms. The feature of such holographic elements is a very large output pupil of the optical system (measuring 250 by 300 mm), as well as an eye relief of over 700 mm, with the periscope being a planar structure with a thickness of 6 mm. On the exhibition were also shown other elements of augmented reality displays: planar coherent illuminators, pupil multiplexers, a complex of programs for calculating and modeling waveguide holograms and lenses. The exhibition was prepared by the scientists of the Laboratory of Superfast Optoelectronics and Information Processing of the Basov Quantum Radio Physics Department of the LPI RAS; the head of the laboratory is A.N. Putilin.

3. The technology of synthesizing A2B6 single crystals doped with transition metals, and samples of crystals for laser generation in the mid-infrared range at wavelengths of 2-7 µm (Laboratory of Laser with Cathode-Ray Pumping, Laser Technology Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk). On exhibition were presented grown crystals and active laser elements: ZnSe:Cr, CdSe:Cr, CdTe:Fe, CdSe:Fe, ZnSe:Fe. Lasers based on such crystals have large spectre of properties for spectroscopy of complex molecules, environmental atmosphere monitoring, medical applications, lidars, and other uses. The exhibition was prepared by the leading scientific researcher of the Laboratory of Laser with Cathode-Ray Pumping Y.V. Korostelin; the head of the laboratory is V.I. Kozlovsky.

4. The technology of epitaxial growth of A3B5 heterostructures containing antimony, with barrier-diode architecture for the development and creation of matrix photoresponsive devices for emitting in the mid-infrared range (Laboratory of New Materials for IR Photonics, Solid State Physics Department of the LPI RAS). The presented experimental stand showed samples of multi-channel photoresponsive devices based on grown heterostructures, demonstrating the sensitivity of the photodevice pixels to various sources of thermal radiation. The photoresponsive devices developed at the LPI RAS have large range of applications related to thermal imaging technology, robotic systems, and spectroscopy. The stand was prepared by scientist of the Laboratory of New Materials for IR Photonics at the LPI RAS; the head of the laboratory is V.S. Kryvobok.

5. Equipment for laboratory prototyping using photolithography and assembly of van der Waals heterostructures was presented with two setups: the first for photolithography and transfer of heterostructures (graphene, hBN, MoS2), and the second for projection lithography without a mask (Ginzburg Center for High-Temperature Superconductivity and Quantum Materials at the LPI RAS). The first setup allows for rapid photolithography of a contact photo mask (chrome-glass) onto a substrate up to 2.5 cm in size, as well as transferring and assembling van der Waals layers into heterostructures using a droplet of viscous elastomeric polymer. This setup is used for prototyping on small substrates and is essential in laboratory settings for obtaining research samples of two-dimensional materials. The second setup is a working model of a photolithography stepper, exposing arbitrary topological patterns on photoresist with spatial resolution on the order of micrometers. It is optimized for small substrate sizes (up to 1 cm) and serves as a simple, cost-effective, and efficient tool for creating prototypes in the fields of microelectronics, quantum optics, microfluidics, and biomedical technologies. The exhibition was prepared by scientists from the Ginzburg Center for High-Temperature Superconductivity and Quantum Materials at the LPI RAS; the head of the laboratory is A.Yu. Kuntsevich.

6. Exhibition model of a medical laser apparatus using copper vapor for microsurgical operations in dermatology, cosmetology, gynecology, oncology, and ophthalmology (Laboratory of Medical Laser Technology, Precision Optical Technologies Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk). The apparatus is an example of years of experience in the development and production of high-tech medical laser equipment, as well as clinical experience in the use of laser technologies, and has the certification from the Russian Healthcare Regulatory Agency. The exposotion was prepared by scientists of the Laboratory of Medical Laser Technology at the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk; the head of the laboratory is I.V. Ponomarev.

7. Technology for manufacturing, and exhibition samples of precision optical components: mirrors, multi-layer interference filters, anti-reflective coatings (Precision Optical Technologies Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk). The presentation of optical manufacturing included technologies for producing optical components with surface roughness  ̴ 1 Å, mirrors with low losses (reflectivity coefficient  ̴  99.999%), mirrors with high beam durability, spectral filters with a half-width  ̴  3Å and a transmittance coefficient of over 90%, and other types of optical coatings for a wide range of optical products: dichroic mirrors, polarizers, chirped mirrors, anti-reflective optics, spectral filters, beam splitters, metallic mirrors, and more. The exhibition was prepared by scientists of the Precision Optical Technologies Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk, S.V. Kuzmich and G.P. Karpov; the head of the department is A.V. Zalygin.

8. High-stability methane optical frequency standard (Frequency Standards Laboratory, Laser Technologies Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk). Continuous He-Ne/CH4 laser (wavelength 3.39 μm), stabilized on a narrow spectral line of methane, integrated into the Photonic Microwave Generator, sets a “reference” optical frequency for synchronizing the pulse repetition frequency of the femtosecond fiber laser (wavelength 1.55 μm). By using this laser, the stability of the components of the microwave comb (1-10 GHz) at the output of the photodetector, detecting femtosecond pulses, acquires the frequency stability of the He-Ne/CH4 laser. The ultimate short-term stability of the optical frequency of the reference He-Ne/CH4 laser is determined by the “natural” frequency noise of radiation, which is at a level of ≈ 0.1 Hz/√Hz (in per-unit system ≈ 10^(-15)/√Hz). This allows reducing the short-term frequency instability and level of phase noise of the microwave harmonics of the Photonic Microwave Generator by 1-2 orders compared to hydrogen masers, quartz, and optoelectronic generators. Russian technologies, developed in cooperation with high-tech tenant companies, long-term partners of the LPI RAS – Avesta LLC and Flavt LLC, provide stable autonomous operation of the laser while maintaining parameters for at least 5 years. The exhibition was prepared by scientists of the Frequency Standards Laboratory of the Laser Technologies Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk; the head of the department is M.A. Gubin.

9. Three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy technique using adaptive optics (Perspective Photonics and Sensorics Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk and Laboratory of Coherent Optics LPI RAS, branch in Samara in collaboration with the Institute of Spectroscopy of the RAS and Moscow Pedagogical State University). Fluorescence nanoscopy – optical spectroscopy and microscopy with ultra-high spatial resolution with localization of single fluorescent markers (molecules, proteins, quantum dots) – belongs to new promising methods for research and material diagnostics. The stand featured a setup diagram of the developed 3D nanoscope. A highly efficient diffractive optical element, forming a bispiral scattering function of a point emitter, was developed in the Laboratory of Coherent Optics of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara, based on spiral beam optics. The experimental setup of the 3D fluorescence nanoscope was created in the inter-institute scientific group on laser-selective spectroscopy and nanoscopy of single molecules, condensed media, and nanostructures under the guidance of the full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.V. Naumov. The spatial resolution of the created setup exceeds the diffraction limit by 1.5 orders of magnitude and allows determining the three spatial coordinates of the fluorescent emitter with an accuracy of about 10 nm. Such systems can be used to solve various micro- and nanodiagnostics tasks: tracking individual particles, measuring local micro-rheological parameters of the media, defining the structure of nanopores in membrane filters, studying the interaction of nanostructures with living cells. The exposition was prepared by scientists of the Perspective Photonics and Sensorics Department of the LPI RAS, branch in Troitsk (head of the department – A.V. Naumov) and the Laboratory of Coherent Optics of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara (head of the laboratory – S.P. Kotova).

10. Generator of vortex light fields based on liquid crystal ferroelectric (Laboratory of Coherent Optics of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara and Laboratory of Optoelectronic Processors of the Basov Quantum Radiophysics Department of the LPI RAS). An electrically controlled sectoral spiral phase plate based on a spiral nanostructure of a ferroelectric liquid crystal, acting as an electro-optical medium for a space-time light modulator, was first presented. This device enables the formation and reconfiguration of ring vortex light fields with a topological charge from 1 to 4. The switching time of the formed fields is determined by the time to rebuild the liquid crystal layer when voltage is applied, which is 150 microseconds, providing a reconstruction frequency of up to 3 kHz, which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than known liquid crystals used in modern spatial-temporal light phase modulators. Possible applications of the high-frequency vortex field generator may include next-generation laser tweezers and optical communication systems. The exhibition was prepared by scientists of the Laboratory of Coherent Optics of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara; the head of the laboratory is S.P. Kotova.

11. Laser heat treatment technology for tool, structural steels, and cemented carbides (Laboratory of Laser-Induced Processes of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara). There were presented results of many years of research on the structure and phase composition of the laser-treated zone of instrumental, heat-resistant, and structural steels, as well as tungsten-cobalt carbide alloys. For the first time were obtained data of the structure and thickness of surface oxides of iron-based multicomponent alloys after laser processing. These results formed the basis for the development of laser strengthening technological processes. Changes in the structure and phase composition in the laser-affected zone, the formation of multilayer oxide structures, additional dissolution processes of tungsten in the cobalt phase, and enrichment of the processing zone surface with cobalt are the main mechanisms for improving the operational performance of hardened products. The scientists proposed using finite element modeling for optimizing processing modes. The developed strengthening mechanisms have been implemented in practice for a specific range of metalworking tools. The exposition was prepared by scientists of the Laboratory of Laser-Induced Processes of theLPI RAS, branch in Samara; the head of the laboratory is S.I. Yaresko.

12. Laser shock processing of aluminum alloys (Laboratory of Laser-Induced Processes of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara). The presentation showcases the results of research on the development of the physico-chemical foundations of laser shock processing (LSP) of structural aluminum alloys. Its advantages over other methods of strengthening through plastic deformation are noted: a greater depth of the strengthened layer, minimal reduction in surface quality. A scheme and external view of the experimental setup are presented, allowing for the processing of samples under various conditions and the study of shock wave formation processes during LSP. Results of processing the structural aluminum alloy AMg6 are demonstrated – residual stress values on the sample surface depending on LSP modes and the distribution of residual stresses through the material depth. The obtained results can be used in the development of LSP technology for aluminum alloy products to increase their strength characteristics, corrosion resistance, and endurance. The exposition was prepared by scientists of the Laboratory of Laser-Induced Processes of the LPI RAS, branch in Samara; the head of the laboratory is S.I. Yaresko.

In addition to presentations of developments at the exhibition stand, scientists of the LPI RAS took an active part in the scientific and business program of the event. At the scientific conference XII Congress of the Technological Platform “Photonics” in the section “Holographic Technologies,” Associate Professor A.N. Putilin (SOIP LPI RAS) presented a report on “Ways of Development of Augmented and Mixed Reality Display Technologies.” Scientists from the Laboratory of Laser Nanophysics and Biomedicine, the Center for Laser and Nonlinear Optics Technologies, and the Basov Quantum Radiophysics Department of the LPI RAS presented reports in sections “Photonics Integrated Circuits” – M.S. Kovalev “Integrated Photonics in Near and Mid-Infrared Range with Locally Integrated Detectors/Emitters on Supperlatticed Silicon: Prospects” and “Photonics in Medicine and Life Sciences” – E.N. Rimskaya “Multispectral Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Skin Tumors in vitro Based on Raman Scattering.” One of the key sessions of the conference was the section on “Quantum Technologies,” where the most significant results were presented, obtained with the significant participation of several departments of the LPI RAS: “Quantum Simulators on Thulium Atoms in Optical Lattices” (A.V. Akimov, head of the joint Laboratory of Quantum Simulators and Integrated Photonics of the LPI RAS and RQC) and “Implementation of Algorithms on Ion-Quantum Computers” (Associate Professor I.A. Semerikov, researcher at the Laboratory of “Optics of Complex Quantum Systems,” Optics Department of the LPI RAS).

On March 28, took place an extended meeting of the Science Council on Photonics of the Physics Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Chairman of the Commission – S.V. Garnov, Deputy Chairman – N.N. Kolachevsky), organized with active participation of employees from the LPI RAS. The meeting program included the discussion of the most important results in the field of photonics obtained in 2023 by scientific institutions under the scientific and methodological guidance of the Physics Division of the RAS.

Reports were presented by representatives of scientific groups from various cities in Russia, including Moscow (LPI RAS, ISAN, Crystallography and Photonics RAS Center at the Kurchatov Institute), Saint Petersburg (Ioffe Institute), Chernogolovka (Osipyan Institute of Solid State Physics RAS), Nizhny Novgorod (V.E. Zuev Institute of Atmospheric Optics of Siberian Branch of the RAS), Tomsk (Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the RAS), Novosibirsk (Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the RAS, Institute of Laser Physics, Siberian Branch of the RAS). Participants of the seminar were awarded with honorary diplomas from the Division of Physical Sciences of the RAS.

Reports presented by the scientists of the LPI RAS included:

1. “New methods of synthesis of phase elements for manipulating ensembles of microobjects,” S.P. Kotova, N.N. Losevsky, A.M. Mayorova, S.A. Samagin, D.V. Prokopova, D.A. Ikonnikov, S.A. Vyunysheva, A.M. Vyunyshev (LPI RAS, branch in Samara).

2. “Wide-aperture sub-megahertz liquid crystal electro-optical modulator in the visible range,” E.P. Pozhidaev, A.V. Kuznetsov, A.V. Kaznacheev, S.I. Torgova, T.P. Tkachenko (LPI RAS).

3. “A new method for early diagnosis of skin cancer based on multispectral microspectroscopy of Raman scattering,” E.N. Rimskaya, I.N. Saraeva, S.N. Shelygina, A.B. Timurzieva, K.G. Kudrin, E.V. Perevzentseva, N.N. Melnik, S.I. Kudryashov (LPI RAS, FSSBI «N.A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health», Sechenov University).

4. “4-qubit ion quantum computer with optically addressed qudits,” A.S. Borisenko, I.V. Zalivako, I.A. Semerikov, N.V. Semenin, P.L. Sidorov, K.Y. Khabarov, N.N. Kolachevsky (LPI RAS).

In addition, employees of the LPI RAS participated as co-executors with a large number of other presented works.

Participants of the “Photonics-2024” exhibition had the opportunity to learn about the main directions of training scientific personnel in the graduate school of the LPI RAS. As a result of the presentation of scientific achievements and technological developments, the employee of the LPI RAS was awarded a diploma at the 18th international specialized exhibition of laser, optical, and optoelectronic equipment “Photonics. World of Lasers and Optics”.

Note by the head of the Troitsk branch of LPI RAS, full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.V. Naumov about the “Photonics-2024” exhibition:

For the LPI RAS, photonics, as both a scientific field and an industrial sector, has traditionally been one of the priority topics. Starting with the works of the academics P.N. Lebedev and S.I. Vavilov, fundamental optics and spectroscopy, optical instrument engineering, and related technologies occupy a central place in the institute’s scientific work. The great names of the LPI RAS Nobel laureates, many members of the Academy of Sciences who are institute employees, are in one way or another connected to the development of photonics. It is necessary to highlight that the laser technologies born within the institute, which had their origins in the works of academics N.G. Basov and A.M. Prokhorov. Currently, photonics is both a strategically important direction of work for the institute and a link between the various divisions of the institute itself and leading scientific centers and industrial platforms in Russia and abroad.

It is particularly important to note not only the scientific content of the Photonics exhibition, but also its strong innovative focus. This orientation towards practical results, as noted by the head of the LPI RAS, full member of the RAS, and member of the Presidium of the RAS, Nikolai Nikolaevich Kolachevsky, has now become one of the key tasks of the institute’s work and, overall, the strategy of scientific and technological development of the country as a whole. Considering this, the LPI RAS traditionally pays great attention to its representation at the Photonics exhibition, which, since its first exhibition in 2006, has become the main communication platform for the laser-optical industry in Russia, gaining recognition from the Russian and international professional communities in photonics, related technologies, and representatives of the real sector of the economy.

Traditionally, a delegation from the Troitsk brach of the LPI RAS has actively participated in the exhibition (led by full member of the RAS Andrey Vitalievich Naumov, and science secretary Kamil Ravkatovich Karimullin). The establishment of this division is linked to the decision of Academician N.G. Basov to develop a technological platform to facilitate accelerated technology transfer in the field of laser physics and optical-spectral instrument engineering. Currently, the Troitsk brach of the LPI RAS is conducting fundamental and experimental design work in the field of precision optics, semiconductor lasers, optical frequency standards, optoelectronics, microelectronics, quantum technologies, and medical photonics. The technological readiness level of many results allows for the transition to industrial production of equipment. Companies partnering with the LPI RAS, located in Troitsk, include industry leaders such as LLC “Avesta-Project”, LLC “FLAVT”, LLC “Novikom”, LLC “Vyatich”, LLC “Complex Research”. Partnership relations have been established with leading organizations working in the field of photonics and interested in the technologies and products being developed: MSU, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery (Petrovsky NRCS), NRC “Kurchatov Institute” , Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Moscow Pedagogical State University (MPGU), ISAN, Ioffe Institute.

LPI RAS pays special attention to personnel training for the industry, establishing sustainable relationships with leading universities in the country, both in the format of working with basic departments and through direct cooperation agreements with institutions such as MEPhI, MIPT, MSU, HSE, MPSU, Bauman MSTU, Kazan Federal University (KFU). Young scientists, students, and graduate students actively participated in the exhibition, representing LPI RAS and partner organizations.

The work of the entire photonics industry and related scientific fields is reflected in the scientific and technical periodicals published under the auspices of LPI RAS and with the direct participation of institute employees, including in journals such as “Quantum Electronics” (chief editor – N.N. Kolachevsky), “Physics-Uspekhi” (established by the LPI RAS, chief editor – O.V. Rudenko), “Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences: Physics ” (chief editor – D.R. Khokhlov), “Photonics Russia” (chief scientific editor – A.V. Naumov), “JETP Letters” (chief editor – V.M. Pudalov), «Bulletin of the Lebedev Physics Institute» (chief editor – N.N. Kolachevsky).

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