Raman fibre laser

ESO’s Raman fibre laser feeding the frequency-doubling Second Harmonic Generation unit,, which produces a 20W laser at 589 nm. The light is used to create an artificial laser guide star by exciting sodium atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere at 90 km altitude. ESO has signed an agreement to license its cutting-edge laser technology to two commercial partners, Toptica Photonics and MPB Communications. This marks the first time that ESO has transferred patented technology and know-how to the private sector, offering significant opportunities both for business and for ESO.