QCL-FCs have been marketed by ALPES for about two years now, although in a somewhat primitive form. The
market uptake, and their overall commercial success has been limited. Primary reasons for this have been identified
as: high cost for the targeted markets, limited capability in wavelength customisation, limited performance of devices.
The latter two points have been drastically enhanced by ALPES’ participation in QOMBS FET project (G.A.
820419), where the device’s design was analysed, optimised and iterated several times, until we managed to produce
novel devices with impressive performance, in previously unattainable wavelengths. These new wavelength regions
unlock the potential of previously untapped markets (i.e. medical and telecom domain), which can support the elevated
cost of QCL-FCs.
Through the Qombina project, ALPES aims to redesign its QCL-FC commercialisation strategy, draft an business plan, and
kick-start a targeted marketing campaign, to push the QCL-FCs to the market, and try to exploit this novel technology more
efficiently.
The objective of the Qombina campaign is two-fold:
1. To increase awareness about QCL Frequency Comb in the research community by targeting potential users of the technology,
including in fields where historically mid-IR tools have not been widely known or used. This will be positive for society in
general as it can lead to the development of new, more efficient tools.
2. To increase knowledge among QCL Frequency Comb manufacturers about the needs of the potential user community to
ensure future development is tailored to fit their needs and accelerate the development of applications.
To this end, a market survey has been performed, from which we have established a new business model for QCL Frequency
Comb technology exploitation and a variety of new marketing material has been created for distribution through a new marketing plan.
