Diode lasers have been an extremely important part of laser technology since the mid-1980s. High efficiency, compactness and easy handling are all distinctive features of these lasers. The main areas of application so far have primarily been communication and information technology. An entirely new type, the surface-emitting laserdiode, has been causing quite a stir since the mid-1990s.

In his dissertation, Dr. Grabherr explored the possibilities of achieving higher laser power with this type of laser. The managing partner of the start-up company "U-L-M Photonics" gained his doctorate degree at the department of Optoelectronics, University of Ulm under Prof. Ebeling.