REDWAVE LABS – COST EFFECTIVE SYSTEMS FOR HOSTILE ENVIRONMENTS

RedWave Labs is a UK-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of precision electronics and photonics systems. Since its founding in 2004, the company has focused on creating high-performance control electronics tailored for demanding scientific and industrial applications. Their core expertise lies in developing modular, low-noise, and compact solutions used in fields such as quantum technologies, laser spectroscopy, and advanced sensing.

Interview with Zoia Geisser, Head of Sales at RedWave Labs.

What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Zoia Geisser: RedWave Labs designs and manufactures across electronics in several key areas within the photonics and electronics industries:

1. Precision Electronics & Photonics Development

  • Design and manufacturing of low-noise, high-stability control electronics for lasers and optical systems

2. Quantum Technologies

  • Solutions for quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum computing
  • Support for quantum research labs and commercial quantum system developers

3. Scientific Instrumentation & Research Support

  • Products used in optical atomic clocks and high-resolution spectroscopy
  • Products used in instruments for academic and national laboratories conducting cutting-edge physics research

4. Advanced Sensing Applications

  • Electronic solutions for LIDAR systems for distance measurement and mapping
  • OEM solutions for Environmental monitoring technologies and sensors for air and gas analysis
  • Electronic solutions for Bio-sensing systems used in life sciences and medical diagnostics

5. Space & Aerospace Applications

  • Development of robust, compact OEM systems for space-based instruments and satellite payloads

6. OEM & Custom System Solutions

  • Turnkey solutions and sub-systems tailored for OEM integration
  • Close collaboration with commercial and industrial partners for custom hardware development

RedWave Labs combines deep technical knowledge in both electronics and optics to provide high-quality, reliable solutions for customers in academia, industry, and government sectors.

What’s the news about new products/services?

Z.G: RedWave Labs has been actively developing new products, particularly in the field of quantum technologies. Notably, they have introduced a Universal Platform for quantum applications, enabling precise control of multiple lasers used for Position, Navigation, and Time measurements or atomic clocks. This platform builds upon their existing Universal Platform for spectroscopic instrumentation, adding capabilities such as line lock and offset lock modules.

What are the ranges of products/services?

Z.G: 1. OEM Solutions for Quantum Technologies

Tailored subsystems and modules including Line Lock and Offset Lock systems for frequency stabilization of lasers. These are essential components for quantum computing, atomic clocks, and optical lattice setups. The modularity allows seamless integration with customer systems.

2. OEM Solutions for Spectroscopy Applications

Flexible, modular solutions for spectroscopy applications, integrating data acquisition, laser control, and power management. It supports a wide range of applications, including environmental monitoring, gas sensing, and quantum instrumentation.

3. Sequencers and Other OEM Solutions

Custom FPGA-based sequencers and timing controllers for synchronizing complex experimental setups. 

4. Data Acquisition Cards 

5. Laser and Temperature Controllers (Low-noise diode laser controllers and Drivers, Short pulsed drivers and Controllers, High power laser controllers and drivers)

6. Photoreceivers

7. Power Supplies / Distribution Boards

8. Single-photon detectors 

9. Time taggers

What is the state of the market where you are currently active?

Z.G: RedWave Labs operates in specialized markets such as photonics, quantum technologies, and spectroscopy. These markets are experiencing growth due to increasing demand for advanced technologies in various sectors, including defense, aerospace, and academia. The company’s focus on high-quality, custom solutions positions it well to meet the evolving needs of these industries.

What can you tell us about market trends?

Z.G: The quantum technology sector is experiencing significant growth, with applications expanding into secure communication, advanced sensing, and quantum computing. A notable trend is the increasing demand for miniaturized, integrated systems, driving innovation in components such as single-photon detectors, time-taggers, and specialized controllers.

In the photonics industry, there is a growing emphasis on high-speed data transmission, precision instrumentation, and the development of photoreceivers and power supplies that enhance effective sensing and imaging. Industries such as healthcare, telecommunications, and defense are adopting photonic technologies to enhance LiDAR systems, environmental monitoring tools, and medical diagnostics.

Both sectors are advancing towards greater system integration, improved performance, and smaller, more energy-efficient designs, reflecting the need for enhanced scalability and adaptability in a wide range of industrial and research applications.

What are the most innovative products/services marketed?

Z.G: Among RedWave Labs’ innovative offerings is the Universal Platform for quantum applications, which integrates various control modules into a single system (incl line and offset lock features). This platform allows for precise laser control, data acquisition, and synchronization, making it suitable for complex quantum experiments and applications. The company’s development of time taggers, photon counters, and other specialized electronics also showcases their commitment to innovation in the field.

What estimations do you have for the second half of 2025?

Z.G: Quantum Technologies: The global quantum computing market is projected to grow significantly, with Europe expected to witness a CAGR of 18.7% from 2024 to 2031. The UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme and Germany’s €3 billion Quantum Technologies Action Plan are fostering advancements in quantum computing, sensing, and communication.

Photonics: The photonics market is experiencing robust growth, driven by applications in healthcare, defense, and telecommunications. In the United States, the photonics market is anticipated to accelerate at a 5.2% CAGR between 2023 and 2033, reaching USD 268.4 billion by 2033.

Considering these trends, RedWave Labs is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced photonics and quantum technology solutions in the latter half of 2025.

Strategic Focus for RedWave Labs:

In light of these trends, RedWave Labs should consider prioritizing the development and promotion of the following:

  • Modular laser locking solutions, particularly for quantum and metrology applications.
  • Integrated electronics platforms for quantum sensing and communication, combining compactness and flexibility.
  • InGaAs-based detectors and advanced optical receivers, to support applications in LIDAR, environmental sensing, and near-infrared spectroscopy.
  • Continued investment in low-noise laser drivers and high-speed detectors, which remain central to most of the company’s target markets.

By reinforcing its position in these key product categories, RedWave Labs can strengthen its leadership in quantum and photonics markets in the EU, UK, and U.S.