Demonstration of innovative VCSEL solution for clinical applications at TRUMPF, Booth 833 at Photonics West in San Francisco // Power-efficient and compact optoacoustic imaging system towards routine clinical use // VCSEL-based subsystem can replace current photonic systems

Ulm/San Francisco, January 27, 2025 – TRUMPF Photonic Components, a global leader in VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) solutions for industrial and consumer sensing, and iThera Medical are introducing a solution for optoacoustic imaging for clinical applications. This VCSEL-based subsystem can replace current photonic systems and is the game changer for routine clinical use, starting with soft tissue perfusion and oxygenation measurements, applicable to a wide range of diseases. “The power-efficient and compact photonic solution of TRUMPF and iThera is scalable and paves the way towards future patch and sensor optoacoustic applications. The VCSEL technology, with its benefits like precision, compact structure, energy efficiency and wide range of wavelengths is perfect for this application,” said Alexander Weigl, Head of Product Management at TRUMPF Photonic Components. “At TRUMPF Photonic Components, we view the medical technology and life sciences sector as a growth area for numerous VCSEL wavelengths and applications,” he added.

“Using VCSELs will allow us to cut light-source-related costs, volume and power consumption of our market-leading optoacoustic imaging devices by a factor of 100,” explained Patrick Leisching, CTO at iThera Medical GmbH. “Additionally, compared with the currently used tunable solid-state lasers, the VCSEL subsystem results in a downgrade of the laser safety classification from its current Class 4 to Class 1, eliminating the need for special safety measures, and it will provide a substantially improved operating stability,” he commented. “These game-changing improvements will facilitate the translation of our technology from research into routine diagnostic use and also enable future sensing applications, making optoacoustic technology widely accessible across different care settings,” he said.

The photonic subsystem presented is based on a compact set-up of high power VCSEL arrays and bare ToF CMOS driver chips. The heat dissipation can be buffered in a small copper block, so the subsystem can be directly mounted within a medical handheld device with no active cooling.

Visit TRUMPF at Photonics West 2025, Booth 833

For further information, please contact:

Christian Wiest

Phone: +49 (0) 89 700 7449-21

Email: christian.wiest@ithera-medical.com