Key Applications
Picophotonics' single-frequency, high-repetition-rate microchip lasers are engineered to bridge the gap between complex mode-locked systems and conventional Q-switched sources — bringing picosecond-class performance into a compact, reliable, and cost-effective platform. This unique combination of short pulse duration, narrow spectral linewidth, and high repetition rate opens the door to applications that were previously limited by laser size, cost, or complexity. From high-resolution spectroscopy to precision ranging and nonlinear photonics, our platform is built to meet the demanding requirements of both research and industrial environments. Explore how our technology is enabling the next generation of analytical, sensing, and photonic systems below.
Raman spectroscopy
Fluorescence background is one of the biggest obstacles in Raman measurements. Our picosecond, single-frequency microchip lasers enable time-gated Raman spectroscopy, separating the Raman signal from fluorescence decay in time — delivering cleaner spectra from a compact, low-power source.
Read ArticleRanging and Sensing
High-precision ranging demands short pulses, high peak power, and rugged reliability in a compact package. Our microchip platform combines sub-ns pulses with kW-level peak powers at 532 and 1064 nm — delivering improved resolution for industrial and bathymetric LIDAR and satellite laser ranging.
Read ArticleNonlinear & Quantum Photonics
High peak power and a clean, single-frequency spectrum make our lasers a natural fit for nonlinear processes — from frequency conversion and photonic neural networks to pump sources for photon-pair generation in emerging quantum photonics applications.
Read ArticlePhotoacoustic Microscopy
Label-free photoacoustic imaging of blood vessels and oxygenation needs short pulses, high repetition rate for fast scanning, and 532/1064 nm — including synchronized dual-wavelength for functional sO₂ imaging.
Read ArticleBuilt for demanding applications
Across every application, the same platform advantages carry through: proprietary SESAM-based passive Q-switching, a narrow single-frequency spectrum, and a compact, alignment-free microchip architecture with operational lifetimes exceeding 10,000 hours. Our lasers have supported published research at Imperial College London, the University of Kent, and the University of Oulu — see our Technology page for the full technical background and publications.
Don't see your application listed? Our platforms are configurable in wavelength, pulse duration, energy, and repetition rate — talk to us about your specific requirements.
Learn more about our technology and the key benefits behind these applications.