Team: Photonics

PhLAM Project Manager: Géraud BOUWMANS

Partners: CEA, CESTA

Abstract: This joint laboratory with CEA DAM (Bordeaux) was established in 2015. It is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the PhLAM laboratory and the High-Power Lasers Department of CEA CESTA, within the framework of the Laser Mégajoule project.

The objective is to develop the latest generation of high-energy fiber lasers and amplifiers, intended for cutting-edge research and industrial applications. The agreement has recently been renewed until 2028.

Team: Photonics

PhLAM Project Manager: Alexandre KUDLINSKI 

Partners: Lightcore Technologies

Abstract: Lightcore Technologies is a spin-off company co-founded in 2019 by Hervé Rigneault (Institut Fresnel) following a collaboration with Alexandre Kudlinski from PhLAM. The company develops coherent Raman microscopes and endoscopes to meet the growing needs of both the scientific community and industry.

It commercializes nonlinear endoscopic technologies based on hollow-core fibers developed at PhLAM over the past decade. Since 2022, Lightcore Technologies has chosen to strengthen its collaboration with academic research through LabCORE, a joint laboratory bringing together Lightcore Technologies, PhLAM, and IRCICA.

This partnership fosters the advancement of research and knowledge, particularly in the areas of optical fiber fabrication and functionalization.

Team: MPI

PhLAM Project Manager: Bertrand CHAZALON

Partners: PhLAM, HORIBA France SAS

Abstract: Hydrogen production and carbon capture are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, these technologies face challenges in terms of safety, efficiency, and cost. Smart sensors are emerging as a solution to optimize these processes by providing real-time data.

Raman spectroscopy, based on the inelastic scattering of light, enables the identification and quantification of gases such as CO₂, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Its advantages include fast response, low interference, and multiplexing capability.

However, challenges remain, notably the calibration of spectra, which is influenced by temperature, pressure, and instrument parameters. Furthermore, the complexity of gas mixtures, with overlapping spectral bands, complicates the analysis.

The goal is to develop a new generation of Raman sensors and their associated software. These sensors will be deployed in CO₂ capture or hydrogen production plants to improve the efficiency and sustainability of industrial processes.

Team: Photonics

PhLAM Project Manager: Géraud BOUWMANS

Partners: CEA-LIST

Abstract: The two partners are collaborating to develop a one-of-a-kind technological platform, offering an innovative and distinctive approach to the optimized fabrication of fiber Bragg gratings directly on the fiber drawing tower, including the application of protective coatings on optical fibers. In this context, a CEA engineer, Laure Lago, is hosted at IRCICA to work on the project.

In parallel, a spin-off from CEA-LIST, named Myriad4Sensing, was created by CEA engineer Romain Cotillard and has been hosted at IRCICA since late 2024. Myriad4Sensing addresses the limitations of traditional electronic instrumentation through fiber optic sensor networks that multiply measurement points while withstanding extreme conditions—an innovative solution to optimize, automate, and secure industrial processes.

It is also worth noting that Myriad4Sensing is a winner of the i-Lab 2025 competition.

Team: Photonics

PhLAM Project Manager: Laurent BIGOT

Partners: Draka Comteq France (groupe Prysmian)

Abstract: In 2012, Draka - Prysmian Group, a global leader in the manufacturing of optical fibers and fiber optic cables, relocated part of its R&D activities to the Hauts-de-France region, at its Douvrin (62) facility. By creating close geographical proximity, this move helped strengthen the already established interactions between the PhLAM laboratory and Draka - Prysmian Group.

This led to the creation and implementation of a joint laboratory as part of a technical program focused on the design, modeling, fabrication, and characterization of next-generation optical fibers. The agreement was renewed in 2019, with activities centered on optical fibers for future fiber networks, such as few-mode and multicore fibers.

Draka - Prysmian Group’s clear economic interest is complemented by PhLAM’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in this field.