Chilas joins cross-border Project PROPEL to advance photonics for next-generation health monitoring devices
At Chilas, we are committed to advancing tunable laser technology through focused research and innovation. As part of our strategic roadmap for the coming years, we are selectively engaging in projects that directly contribute to the development of tunable ultra-narrow linewidth lasers.
Enschede, Netherlands, 17 June 2025 – Chilas is proud to announce our involvement in Project PROPEL, a collaborative R&D initiative focused on developing photonic solutions for next-generation health monitoring devices. The project unites leading expertise from the UK and the Netherlands to advance integrated photonics and compound semiconductor technologies.
Project PROPEL brings together Compound Semiconductor Centre Ltd (CSC) & Cardiff University and its Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS) (Wales, UK) & Chilas (Overijssel, the Netherlands).
Over the next 18 months, the PROPEL team will co-develop a novel photonic integrated circuit (PIC) featuring a widely tunable, ultra-narrow linewidth laser (<50 kHz) operating at a central wavelength of 1 μm. The device will be optimized for non-invasive personal health monitoring applications, targeting physiological parameters such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and hydration levels.
We bring our expertise in ultra-narrow linewidth tunable lasers to the table, as our compact and highly stable sources meet the stringent requirements for health monitoring applications. Our technology and our partners expertise will help achieving TRL 7/8, aiming to demonstrate a compact, energy-efficient, and field-ready solution capable of operating in variable environmental conditions.
PROPEL represents a strategic collaboration between the CSconnected, the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales and the PhotonDelta ecosystem in the Netherlands, with support from East Netherlands Development Agency (Oost NL). The project aligns with broader European industrial transformation goals, via the Vanguard Initiative (VInnovate), particularly under the Nano /Microsystems and High-Tech Materials Pilot and the VI Smart Health Pilot.
“Our work in PROPEL is a clear example of how tunable lasers based on PIC technologies can deliver practical benefits in everyday life. We’re excited to contribute with our laser technology and collaborate with UK partners to unlock new possibilities in continuous, non-invasive health monitoring.” says Dimitri Geskus, CTO at Chilas.
“This partnership reflects the strengths of our respective regions and demonstrates what can be achieved through targeted European collaboration. The photonic technologies we’re developing have real potential to support the growing demand for continuous, non invasive personal health monitoring.” says Phillip Cornish, Programme Manager (Photonics) at CSC.
Project PROPEL is set to run until November 2026, with key milestones planned for development, testing, and validation along the way.