Optics manufacturing reinvented for the modern age.
With over 40 years of combined experience in ultrafast laser processing, our team is ready to support your photonics challenges.
Advanced fabrication processes using lasers
At Freeform Photonics, we harness cutting-edge laser technologies to deliver unmatched precision and innovation in optical component manufacturing.
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Direct waveguide writing
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Selective laser etching
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Ultrashort pulsed laser welding
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Femtosecond laser machining
Custom components for a diverse range of applications
Our expertise spans a wide range of integrated and custom solutions, enabling breakthroughs in modern photonics.
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Freeform optics
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Monolithic optical systems
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Fibre-coupled devices
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Integrated photonics
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Custom glass components
Services we offer
Beyond fabrication, we partner with clients to co-design, simulate, and prototype cutting-edge optical systems, bridging the gap between concept and deployment.
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Photonics design and simulation
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Rapid prototyping
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Component fabrication
Find out more about how our custom optics manufacturing can help your business.
Speak to a member of our team by emailing [email protected]
Cutting edge technology for precision optics manufacturing
Using ultrafast laser technology, we deliver unparalleled precision and flexibility in optics manufacturing, enabling innovative solutions for modern photonics applications.
Rapid Prototyping
Have an idea? Accelerate product development with our rapid prototyping service — designed to quickly refine and optimise your design parameters.
Miniaturisation
Our precision laser fabrication technology enables micron-scale features, built-in passive alignment, and monolithic integrated components to support the miniaturisation of complex optical systems.
Design Freedom
Overcome traditional optics constraints with freeform surfaces that maximise design flexibility and system efficiency, opening new possibilities in photonics.
Fabrication Processes
We specialise in advanced methods including direct waveguide writing, selective laser etching, ultrashort pulsed laser welding, and femtosecond laser machining to deliver unmatched precision.
Components We Make
Our portfolio includes freeform optics, monolithic optical systems, fibre-coupled devices, integrated photonics, and custom glass components.
Expertise & Services
With over 40 years of combined experience in ultrafast laser processing, we provide photonics design and simulation, component fabrication, and full end-to-end solutions for integrated optical systems.
Samples of our work
With a focus on precision and innovation, we deliver bespoke optical components that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
Specifications
Our advanced laser fabrication technology enables the production of high-precision optical components with micron-scale features, built-in passive alignment, and monolithic integration, supporting a wide range of applications in modern photonics.
Fabrication specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Component size |
Min: 100 × 100 × 100 μm Max: 100 × 100 × 10 mm |
| Dimension tolerance | < 5 μm (typical), < 1 μm (precision) |
| Materials | UV fused silica, IR fused silica, Sapphire, Zerodur, YAG, ULE glass |
| Component quantity | 1 to 1000 |
| Material processing | Waveguide writing, selective laser etching, laser machining, laser welding |
Optics specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Aperture diameter | 100 μm to 4 mm |
| Radius of curvature | Any (down to aperture radius) |
| Form error | < 1 μm |
| Surface roughness | < 5 nm (Ra, thermally polished) |
| Lens form | Spherical, aspherical, freeform |
| Lens array pitch | 100 μm (min), 3 mm (max) |
Optical fibre coupling specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Substrate thickness | 100 μm to 10 mm |
| Aspect ratio | 1000:1 |
| Hole diameter | > 10 μm |
| Insertion shape | Straight-wall, tapered, counter-bore |
| Hole spacing (edge-to-edge) | 20 μm (min) |
| Fibre alignment | < 1 μm (lateral), < 1 mRad (angular) |
| Wall roughness | < 0.5 μm (Ra) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about Freeform Photonics.
What does Freeform Photonics do?
We deliver end-to-end photonics solutions, offering design, modelling, and manufacturing of integrated optical components.
What experience does your team have?
Our team brings over 40 years of combined experience in ultrafast laser processing and advanced photonics fabrication.
What services do you offer?
We provide rapid prototyping, miniaturisation of complex systems, and advanced laser fabrication for freeform optical components.
How does rapid prototyping work?
Our rapid prototyping service accelerates product development by quickly refining and optimising your design parameters to achieve efficient results.
What makes your fabrication process unique?
We use precision ultrafast laser fabrication technology with built-in passive alignment, monolithic integration, and micron-scale features to enable complex optical designs.
What are the benefits of freeform surfaces?
Freeform surfaces overcome the constraints of traditional optics, maximising design flexibility and system efficiency.
Can you handle custom projects?
Yes, we work closely with clients to design and manufacture bespoke optical components tailored to their specific challenges.
Which industries do you work with?
Our solutions are applicable across telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, defence, consumer electronics, and research sectors.
What kind of problems can your technology solve?
From miniaturising complex optical systems to enabling advanced sensing and communications, our technology addresses design constraints that traditional optics cannot overcome.
Do you support both R&D and commercial-scale projects?
Yes, we partner with clients at every stage, from early research and rapid prototyping through to scalable production for commercial deployment.
Where are your facilities based?
Our operations and fabrication facilities are based in the UK, where we design, prototype, and manufacture integrated photonics solutions.
Speak to our team today about your optics needs
Speak to a member of our team today to find out more about our production capabilities and how we can help you with your next project.