AMPLITUDE

Their core work

Amplitude is a French SME specializing in ultrafast laser systems, particularly femtosecond and high-power pulsed lasers. They design and manufacture laser sources used in precision micro-processing, surface treatment, and industrial drilling applications. In H2020 projects, they contribute laser hardware and beam delivery expertise to consortia tackling challenges from aerospace micro-drilling to medical endoscopy, serving as the laser technology provider that enables partners' application goals.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016–2017), Amplitude focused on fundamental laser component improvements — fiber beam delivery, grating compressors, and adapting ultrafast lasers for medical imaging (ESOTRAC). From 2019 onward, their focus shifted decisively toward high-power, multi-beam industrial processing: scaling femtosecond lasers to kilowatt-class systems, parallel beam processing, and application-specific manufacturing like aerospace micro-drilling. This evolution reflects a clear move from component-level R&D toward full industrial laser processing systems.

Amplitude is scaling up from precision laser source development toward turnkey high-throughput manufacturing systems, making them increasingly relevant for partners needing industrial-grade ultrafast laser processing.

How they like to work

Amplitude consistently joins as a specialist participant rather than leading consortia — zero coordinator roles across six projects, reflecting their position as a technology supplier embedded in application-driven teams. With 43 unique partners across 11 countries, they work in mid-to-large consortia and rarely repeat partners, suggesting they are sought after by diverse groups needing ultrafast laser expertise. This makes them a reliable, low-friction technology partner who integrates well without seeking project control.

Amplitude has built a broad European network of 43 unique consortium partners across 11 countries, with no apparent geographic concentration — indicating they are widely recognized as a go-to ultrafast laser partner across the continent.

What sets them apart

Amplitude is one of very few European SMEs that both manufactures commercial ultrafast laser systems and actively participates in R&D consortia pushing the boundaries of those systems. This dual role — product company and research partner — means they bring production-ready hardware to projects, not just prototypes. For consortium builders, this translates to a partner who can deliver real laser systems during the project and potentially supply them commercially afterward.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MULTIPOINT
  Largest funding (EUR 1.27M) and targets a high-value aerospace application — femtosecond laser micro-drilling for hybrid laminar flow control on aircraft.
• MultiFlex
  Pushes ultrashort pulse laser processing to 1 kilowatt with multi-beam approach, representing the industrial scaling frontier for femtosecond lasers.
• ESOTRAC
  Unusual cross-sector application — adapting ultrafast laser/optoacoustic technology for medical endoscopy, showing versatility beyond manufacturing.