FBH

What FBH does

FBH (Ferdinand-Braun-Institut), legally Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, is a Berlin-based applied research institute founded in 1992 and operating as part of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). The institute specializes in III-V compound semiconductor technologies—GaAs, InP, GaN, and AlN—and develops electronic and photonic components, modules, and systems with applications spanning high-power diode lasers, UV LEDs, terahertz electronics, quantum photonics, and power electronics. FBH employs 400 staff from 30 countries and operates 4000 m² of cleanroom and laboratory space in the Berlin-Adlershof science and technology park, sustaining 131 active projects and a portfolio of 295 German and international patents. The institute has generated 12 spin-off companies, most still active.

The product portfolio covers the full value chain from MOVPE epitaxial growth through device fabrication to module and system integration. Core offerings include GaAs-based high-power diode lasers reaching kilowatt power levels, GaN diode lasers for blue/violet emission, UVB/UVC LEDs at 260–280 nm, InP-DHBT-MMIC transceivers with cutoff frequencies above 500 GHz targeting 700+ GHz, LiDAR and MIMO radar modules, miniaturized laser modules (MiLas platform) for space applications, quantum photonic modules including optical isolators and frequency references (CerAMRef), GaN-based power electronics, and emerging r-GeO2 ultra-wide bandgap transistors. Services include prototype engineering, foundry services for InP-on-BiCMOS heterointegration with Leibniz-Institut IHP, and contract epitaxial growth. Notable technical benchmarks include 52 dB self-interference suppression at 4 GHz in the GaN full-duplex front-end and sub-0.5 ml optical isolators delivering over 30 dB isolation across 400–950 nm.

FBH's revenue model combines three streams: majority public research funding from German federal (BMFTR, BMBF), state, European Commission, and Leibniz Association sources; contract R&D and foundry services for industry partners; and technology licensing plus spin-off commercialization. Commercial engagements span aerospace (ESA Ka-band power amplifiers), telecommunications and radar, healthcare (radar-based contactless vital sign monitoring in clinical testing since September 2023 with Thiem-Research GmbH), and inertial fusion energy, where FBH leads the €17.3M DioHELIOS consortium with TRUMPF, ams-OSRAM, Jenoptik, LASERLINE, and Fraunhofer ILT under Germany's €1.2B Fusion 2040 program. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; commercial engagements are conducted through negotiated contracts and consortium agreements rather than standardized pricing.

Name

FBH

Legal name

Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik

Website

https://fbh-berlin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

FBH is a Berlin-based Leibniz research institute developing III-V compound semiconductor devices—high-power diode lasers, UV LEDs, terahertz electronics, and quantum photonic modules—for aerospace, telecommunications, healthcare, and fusion energy customers via contract R&D, foundry services, and licensing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Compound Semiconductor Research & Development

NAICS

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (3344), Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441)

SIC

Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Electronic Components, Nec (3679), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

RF & Compound Semiconductor Foundries (GaAs/GaN/SiGe) (HDAHACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Compound Semiconductor Wafers & Substrates (SiC/GaN/GaAs/InP/Sapphire) (HDAHAGAB), Foundry Platform & Design Enablement Services (PDK/DFM/Process Qualification) (HDAHACAJ), Wide-Bandgap Power Devices (SiC/GaN Discretes) (HDAHAHAG), Power Modules (IGBT/MOSFET/SiC/GaN Modules) (HDAHAHAH), Semiconductors for Industrial Control & Power (MCUs, DSPs, FPGAs, ASICs, IGBTs, MOSFETs, diodes) (IMAGAJAE)

Keywords

• Compound semiconductors
• Diode laser technology
• III-V electronics
• Quantum photonics
• Semiconductor foundry services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Public Research Funding: Majority of funding from German federal and state governments through programs including BMFTR (Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space), BMBF, European Commission, Leibniz Association core funding, and various research programs such as Fusion 2040
2. Industry R&D Contracts: Contract research and development services for industry partners, including custom diode laser module development, foundry services for semiconductor devices, and technology licensing
3. Technology Transfer & Licensing: Revenue from licensing patented technologies, spin-off support, and technology transfer agreements with commercial partners

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

FBH designs and develops III-V compound semiconductor components, modules, and systems based on GaAs, InP, GaN, and AlN materials, including high-power diode lasers, UV LEDs, InP-DHBT-MMIC terahertz transceivers, GaN power electronics, and quantum photonic modules. The institute provides foundry services for InP-DHBT-MMIC production and full prototype engineering—from MOVPE epitaxy through device fabrication to module and system integration—delivered to industry partners, space agencies, and research institutions.

Product overview

FBH (Ferdinand-Braun-Institut) is a research institute developing compound semiconductor-based electronic and photonic components, modules, and systems. The product portfolio centers on III-V semiconductor technologies spanning diode lasers (GaAs and GaN-based), UV LEDs, terahertz InP HBT transceivers, and quantum photonic modules. These are offered as both discrete devices (laser diodes, LEDs, transistors) and integrated systems (laser modules, LiDAR systems, MIMO radar, optical isolators, frequency references). The MiLas platform enables micro-integrated laser modules for space applications. Services include prototype engineering, epitaxial growth, and process development. Spin-offs include Rydberg Photonics for quantum technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rydberg Photonics: Spin-off company focused on hybrid-integrated laser systems and optical frequency references for quantum technology applications
• MiLas
• CerAMRef
• VIMRE

Products and services

• InP HBT Transceivers Indium Phosphide Double Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (InP-DHBT) MMIC transceivers and components operating up to terahertz frequencies, including oscillators (100-500 GHz), frequency multipliers, power amplifiers, and InP-on-BiCMOS heterointegrated circuits for communication and radar applications. Intended for telecom equipment makers, radar system manufacturers and researchers building THz systems.
• High-Speed Laser Drivers Pulsed laser driver electronics delivering peak currents up to 800 A with pulse widths down to 4 ns and optical output exceeding 600 W, including GaN laser drivers for LiDAR systems and mode-locked laser drivers with pulse widths as short as 10 ps. Intended for LiDAR system builders, pulsed laser integrators, and industrial laser manufacturers.
• High-Power GaAs Diode Lasers GaAs-based high-power diode lasers including broad-area lasers, high-brightness lasers, wavelength-stabilized DBR lasers, and multi-junction designs with power levels from milliwatts to kilowatts. Intended for industrial system integrators, aerospace, fusion energy pump source developers, and additive manufacturing OEMs.
• UVB & UVC LEDs UVB and UVC LED components and modules for disinfection, water purification, air cleaning, and healthcare applications, operating at wavelengths between 260-280 nm with multi-wavelength module options for gas sensing. Intended for disinfection system manufacturers, healthcare equipment makers, and gas sensing OEMs.
• GaN Diode Lasers Gallium Nitride-based diode lasers for blue/violet emission, UV applications, and high-power visible laser applications. Intended for blue/UV laser system integrators and industrial laser manufacturers.
• Diode Laser Modules (Pump Lasers) Complete diode laser modules including kW-class pump lasers, miniaturized modules for space applications (MiLas platform), frequency-stabilized and tunable modules, short-pulse lasers, and UV-LED modules. Intended for fusion energy developers, space payload integrators, and industrial laser system builders.
• LiDAR Modules Pulsed laser modules for LiDAR applications including space-qualified systems, 3-emitter and 48-emitter configurations, with peak currents up to 800 A and pulse widths down to 4 ns. Intended for LiDAR system manufacturers, automotive sensor developers, and space-based LiDAR integrators.
• Quantum Light Modules Photonic modules for quantum technology applications including hybrid-integrated laser systems, optical frequency references, single-photon sources, and micro-integrated laser modules for quantum computing and quantum communication. Intended for quantum computing companies, quantum sensing developers, and quantum communication equipment makers.
• Raman Spectroscopy Systems Raman measurement systems using wavelength-stabilized diode lasers with shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) for material identification and real-world sensing applications. Intended for analytical instrument manufacturers and process sensing integrators.
• UV LED Irradiation Systems UV LED irradiation systems for skin treatment (VIMRE prototype with 120 UV-LEDs), disinfection, and healthcare applications. Intended for medical device manufacturers and disinfection system integrators.
• GaN Power Electronics GaN-based power electronics including lateral and vertical transistors, half bridges, AlN transistors, gallium oxide power transistors, fast-switching power cores, and power converters for efficient power conversion and high-frequency applications. Intended for power electronics system manufacturers and high-voltage converter developers.
• r-GeO2 MOSFET Power Transistors Lateral rutile germanium dioxide (r-GeO2) MOSFET power transistors on single-crystal substrates, an ultra-wide bandgap material enabling breakdown voltages up to 1280 V. Intended for next-generation high-voltage power electronics developers.
• Miniaturized Optical Isolators Ultra-compact optical isolators for wavelengths 400-950 nm providing over 30 dB isolation with insertion losses below 1.5 dB in less than 0.5 ml volume, using cadmium manganese telluride magneto-optical materials. Intended for integrated quantum photonic system integrators.
• CerAMRef Optical Frequency Reference Module Compact optical frequency reference module producing Doppler-free spectrum of the rubidium D2 line at 780 nm for laser stabilization in quantum sensing and metrology, integrating spectroscopy system, micro-optical components, rubidium vapor cell, photodiode, and readout electronics on a 3D-printed ceramic micro-optical bench. Intended for quantum sensor manufacturers and metrology instrument builders.
• MIMO Radar Systems Modular Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output millimeter-wave radar systems for space applications, with each module integrating 8 transmit and 8 receive channels operating at 95 GHz with 10 GHz bandwidth for high-resolution imaging without moving mechanical components. Intended for space system integrators and high-resolution imaging radar developers.
• Gain-Switched EP-VECSELs Gain-switched electrically pumped Vertical External Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (EP-VECSELs) for picosecond pulse generation at 1030 nm, developed by FBH with LZH, enabling operation in low-MHz regime without intracavity components. Intended for LiDAR system manufacturers, sensing developers, and seeding source integrators.
• GaN Full-Duplex Front-End GaN-based full-duplex front-end topology demonstrating analog self-interference cancellation achieving up to 52 dB suppression at 4 GHz and high transmit power levels, enabling simultaneous transmission and reception without directive devices for communication and sensing systems. Intended for wireless infrastructure and radar system developers.
• Prototype Engineering Services Full-service prototype development including simulation and design, epitaxial layers, wafer processes, laser facet passivation and coating, and analytics and measurement services. Intended for industry partners and research organizations requiring compound semiconductor prototype development.
• MiLas Platform Micro-integrated laser module platform for space applications combining micro-optical integration with high mechanical and thermal stability, suitable for optical communication, sensing, and quantum technology applications in space environments. Intended for space payload integrators and satellite systems manufacturers.
• Diode Laser Pump Sources for Fusion Energy High-power diode laser pump sources for inertial fusion energy power plants, replacing inefficient flash lamps with scalable, efficient diode pump technology, advancing III-V technology, wavelength-stabilized diode concepts, and ultra-high-power designs to reduce cost per watt. Intended for commercial fusion power plant developers and research facilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• High-power diode lasers for fusion energy: Cost reduction target from €1/watt to below 2 cents/watt
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TRUMPFcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Lead coordinator of the DioHELIOS project funded by Germany's Fusion 2040 programme (€17.3 million). FBH and TRUMPF collaborate on developing high-power diode laser pump sources for commercial fusion power plants, targeting cost reductions from €1 per watt to below 2 cents per watt.
• ams-OSRAMcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Consortium partner in DioHELIOS project for fusion laser development. Demonstrated 1 kW output power at 64% efficiency under fusion-relevant pulse conditions.
• JenoptikcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Consortium partner in DioHELIOS project focused on diode laser technology for inertial fusion energy applications.
• LASERLINEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Consortium partner in DioHELIOS project contributing to high-power diode laser development for fusion power plants.
• Fraunhofer ILTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Research partner in DioHELIOS consortium advancing semiconductor laser technology for inertial fusion energy.
• Rydberg TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 October 2025Michigan-based company providing atomic vapor cells and reference devices that complement Rydberg Photonics' product line. David Anderson (CEO) is co-founder of both companies, enabling integrated product offerings for quantum technology applications.
• Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Lead research institution for diode lasers as critical components for laser-based inertial fusion ignition. Part of €1.2 billion Fusion 2040 funding programme.
• Leibniz-Institut für innovative Mikroelektronik (IHP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on InP-on-BiCMOS heterointegration foundry services. IHP contributes BiCMOS technology while FBH provides InP DHBT processes for combined wafer-level integration achieving over 500 GHz cutoff frequencies.
• Goethe University FrankfurtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Goethe-Leibniz-Terahertz-Center established for terahertz research, combining FBH's device expertise with university's system research capabilities.
• Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-SenftenbergminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative development of 61 GHz radar sensor system for contactless patient vital sign monitoring. FBH contributes sensor expertise for the multistatic radar system.
• Thiem-Research GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClinical testing partner for radar-based patient monitoring system. System has been in clinical testing since September 2023.
• Technische Universität BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic teaching partner with FBH researchers supervising doctoral candidates and participating in university education programs. Joint academic initiatives in semiconductor technology.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fraunhofer IAF (Institute for Applied Solid State Physics): German applied research institute specializing in compound semiconductor (GaAs, GaN, InP) devices and circuits for RF, power electronics, and quantum applications. Directly comparable to FBH in mission, materials focus, and end-market overlap, including III-V electronics and laser development.
• Leibniz Institute for Innovative Microelectronics (IHP): Fellow Leibniz-Association institute focused on SiGe BiCMOS and silicon-based microelectronics, with whom FBH operates a joint InP-on-BiCMOS heterointegration foundry. Shares public-research funding model, German location, and overlap in high-frequency/THz semiconductor device development.
• Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH): German research institute specializing in laser development and photonics, collaborating with FBH on VECSEL technology. Comparable as a publicly funded applied-research organization developing laser components and systems for industrial and scientific applications.

Emerging players

• TRUMPF: Industrial laser systems leader and lead industrial partner in the DioHELIOS fusion pump-source consortium with FBH. Overlaps with FBH in high-power diode laser technology for industrial and emerging fusion-energy applications.
• MACOM Technology Solutions: US-based compound semiconductor company specializing in GaAs, GaN, and InP RF/mmW devices for telecom, radar, and aerospace. Comparable to FBH's InP HBT and GaN RF electronic device portfolios, particularly for THz and high-frequency applications.
• Vector Photonics: UK-based spin-out from University of Glasgow developing semiconductor lasers (VCSELs and PCSELs) for datacom, sensing, and consumer electronics. Comparable as a research-institute spin-out commercializing III-V laser technology, mirroring FBH's Rydberg Photonics pathway.

Broad incumbents

• ams-OSRAM: Global semiconductor and photonics manufacturer with broad portfolios in LEDs, laser diodes, and optical sensors. Consortium partner in DioHELIOS; comparable to FBH across GaAs-based diode laser products and UV LED components for industrial and consumer markets.
• Jenoptik: German photonics and laser systems company participating in the DioHELIOS fusion-energy consortium. Comparable in diode laser modules and laser-based industrial systems serving similar end markets as FBH's kW-class pump lasers.
• Coherent Corp: Global photonics and compound semiconductor company with deep portfolios in III-V laser diodes, photonic integrated circuits, and InP-based components. Comparable to FBH in GaAs/InP diode laser technology and broad photonics end markets.
• Qorvo: Global RF semiconductor company with strong GaN-on-SiC and GaAs product lines for telecom, defense, and radar. Overlaps with FBH's GaN RF power amplifiers and III-V MMIC capabilities at the commercial product tier.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ferdinand-braun-institut
• Xx.com/fbh_news

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about FBH