As China clamps down on rare earths, Germany backs Fraunhofer's push to build lasers without critical imports.
Lasers play a crucial role across many industries, from medicine to quantum computing. But producing them depends heavily on rare earth elements , most of which come from China. Recent export controls and geopolitical tensions have exposed how fragile this supply chain is.
In response, German researchers at Fraunhofer are working to create laser crystals and fibers without relying on these scarce imported materials. Their efforts aim to secure the future of laser technology amid growing global uncertainty.Germany feels the heat of China’s rare earth clampdownGermany’s reliance on imported rare earth elements became a flashpoint after China’s April export curbs, which hit Europe indirectly through restrictions targeting the U.S. The laser sector, already dependent on rare-earth-doped materials, was quickly impacted.Interestingly, rare earth elements worth only a few hundred euros form the core of laser systems, which can be worth over hundreds of thousands!“Guaranteeing the availability of adequate laser crystals and fibers and having control over their processing is vital not only for the competitiveness and independence of the German and European economies but also for our security,” said Marc Eichhorn, director at the Fraunhofer Institute for Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB.Reimagining how laser crystals are grown and processedLaser crystals amplify light using stored optical energy and release it at fixed wavelengths depending on their rare-earth doping. But when specific wavelengths can’t be produced, researchers use non-linear optical materials to convert laser light into other wavelengths. This wavelength manipulation expands applications in fields like microscopy, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics.The quality of these crystals is critical, as impurities or poor thermal properties can degrade performance at high outputs.“In addition to the doping, the optical quality and absorption as well as the thermal conductivity and polarization properties of the crystals play a decisive role in their performance,” said Eichhorn.Fraunhofer scientists simulate different compositions, refine growing conditions, and use X-ray diffraction to assess structure. Their goal is to increase the damage threshold of crystals exposed to high-intensity laser radiation. “A great deal of expertise is required. Many processes cannot be automated,” said Christelle Kieleck, head of Fraunhofer IOSB’s Laser Technology department.Laser light tailored by new glass fiber technologyBeyond crystals, Fraunhofer is also working on new fiber-optic components. These include rare-earth-doped quartz and fluoride laser fibers designed for compact, efficient performance. They’re targeting use in everything from industrial laser tools to surgical equipment.“At our new location in Oberkochen, we will produce customized and robust high-performance fibers for lasers with low volume, weight and energy requirements in-house,” said Kieleck.The Fraunhofer IOSB team will showcase its innovations at Munich’s LASER World of PHOTONICS trade show from June 24 to 27, Hall A2, Booth 415.This event will provide a key platform for industry experts to explore advances that could reshape laser manufacturing and applications globally.
Fraunhofer Institute Laser Crystals Laser Technology Optical Fibers Rare Earth Elements
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