3Wave – Unmatched insight into symmetry-dependent physical properties of matter; Optimized process control for improved quality, reliability, and efficiency; Faster research cycles, accelerated optimization, and reduced costs.

In-situ SHG for real-time functional readout during thin-film growth

3Wave enables researchers to monitor symmetry-related material behavior during deposition and processing, so critical changes in phase and functionality can be observed while the experiment is still running.

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Capture functionality as it emerges

Access real-time iSHG feedback during growth and observe symmetry-related changes while the experiment is still running.

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10'000× faster feedback than ex-situ workflows

Replace delayed ex-situ validation with real-time measurement during growth.

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Turn every experiment into AI-ready data

Generate structured, analysis-ready measurement data through an integrated interface built for advanced modeling and AI-assisted research.

Developed from leading research in nonlinear optics and advanced materials characterization

Built for integration into real experimental workflows

“Nonlinear optics lets us read the symmetry fingerprint of materials as they form. Developed at ETH Zurich and refined over decades of research, our approach now powers a real-time, non-destructive tool coupling advanced hardware with smart software — and we’re bringing it to market with 3Wave Instruments so labs and fabs can act on these insights instantly.”

Prof. Dr. Manfred Fiebig

Full Professor at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich; Founder of 3Wave Instruments

“Interfaces define functionality in complex oxides. By embedding our ETH-developed, decades-honed nonlinear-optical techniques into a real-time tool with an integrated experimental platform uniting instrumentation, control, and analysis, we can tune growth parameters on demand — and we’re commercializing this capability with 3Wave Instruments to accelerate optimization and reliability.”

Prof. Dr. Morgan Trassin

Lecturer at the Department of Materials, ETH Zurich; Founder of 3Wave Instruments

Why conventional feedback comes too late

The decisive changes happen during growth, not after it

Critical changes in symmetry, phase, and functionality emerge during deposition and processing. Yet conventional characterization usually starts only after the process is paused, the sample is removed, and valuable time has already been lost. This delays feedback, slows iteration, and leaves key transient behavior unobserved.

Conventional workflow (ex-situ loop)

Grow → Stop process → Remove sample → Measure ex-situ → Interpret → Restart

Too Late

Critical changes happen during growth, but conventional characterization starts only after the run is complete.

Slow Iteration

Measurement means stopping the process, removing the sample, and losing valuable time before feedback begins.

How 3Wave works

From growth to insight in one continuous workflow

3Wave integrates second-harmonic generation measurement directly into the experimental process, enabling non-destructive, symmetry-sensitive readout during thin-film growth and processing. Instead of waiting for post-process characterization, researchers can access functional information in real time and respond immediately.

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Measure during growth

Acquire iSHG signals continuously during deposition or processing without interrupting the workflow.

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Reveal symmetry-sensitive behavior

Track changes linked to structure, phase, and functionality that many standard in-situ observables do not capture.

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Act immediately

Use live feedback to validate hypotheses, adjust conditions, and shorten development cycles.

Integrated software for scientific workflows

Capture, visualize, and interpret iSHG data in real time

Capture, visualize, and interpret iSHG in real time—so you speed up setup and alignment, validate data quality during growth, extract symmetry information, and iterate faster with fewer experimental cycles.

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Faster setup and alignment

Guided start-up routine with hardware checks and laser control

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Data Acquisition

Define sequences, monitor results live, and store data in ready-to-use formats

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Integrated Analysis

Immediate insights—faster iteration, cleaner workflows

Built for data-centric and AI-driven research

A measurement platform that produces more than plots

3Wave does not only provide real-time visibility during the experiment. It also generates structured experimental data that can support advanced analysis workflows, model development, and AI-assisted materials research. By creating consistent, machine-readable datasets directly at the point of measurement, 3Wave helps transform experiments into a scalable data resource for discovery and optimization.

Time-resolved measurement data
Consistent experimental records
Analysis-ready export formats
Foundation for modeling and AI workflows

Innovative Technology

Understanding Laser-Optical Second Harmonic Generation

Laser-Optical Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) technology is a groundbreaking approach that enables real-time, non-destructive monitoring of materials. This innovative method allows direct probing of growth parameters, resulting in optimized process control. The technology provides users with unique insights into symmetry-dependent properties, thereby enhancing research efficiency and enabling faster research cycles.

With a user-friendly interface, our software simplifies the implementation of SHG, allowing researchers to focus on their work without the burden of complex setups. By leveraging this technology, scientists can achieve unprecedented levels of precision in their experiments, establishing a new standard in the industry.

Seamless integration

Designed for seamless integration, this system enhances every stage of research and provides valuable insights with minimal disruption.

New benchmarks

The advanced capabilities of this technology position it as a leader in the scientific research market, setting new benchmarks.