Executive Summary

Empa researchers Elena Mavrona and Erwin Hack founded the spin-off Lepto GmbH in Dübendorf in April 2025 to close the so-called terahertz gap. The company develops high-precision filters and polarizers for terahertz radiation – ultra-thin films with gold microstructures that are only one micrometer thick. The technology emerged from a research project at the Empa laboratory "Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces" and has been filed for patent protection. Inquiries from research institutions confirmed the market readiness of the products.

People

Topics

  • Terahertz technology
  • Spin-off founding
  • Materials science
  • Space applications
  • 6G communication
  • Medical diagnostics

Clarus Lead

Terahertz radiation – long an underdeveloped region of the electromagnetic spectrum – is becoming a key technology for coming decades: 6G mobile communications, satellite communications, and non-invasive medical diagnostics require reliable components. Lepto addresses this growing demand with a patented solution that minimizes weight and space requirements – a critical advantage for space applications and portable medical devices. Support from glatec (Empa incubator) and Innosuisse signals institutional validation of a market segment previously ignored by established semiconductor companies.

Detailed Summary

Terahertz radiation occupies the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and microwaves (wavelengths 0.3–3 millimeters) and historically represents a research gap: while light and microwave technologies have been established for decades, practical generation and measurement instruments were lacking until 30 years ago. This gap is now closing through technological breakthroughs and growing application interest.

Lepto's core product – a one micrometer thick filter made from transparent polymer film with vapor-deposited gold nanostructures – commercializes this development. The extreme thinness enables three application fields: (1) Space: Terahertz spectroscopy for astro- and geophysical research; terahertz-based satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-earth communication with higher data rates than conventional microwave systems and improved security through shorter range. (2) Mobile communications: 6G standard uses terahertz frequencies for faster, more energy-efficient data transmission; atmospheric scattering limits range but promotes security. (3) Medicine: Non-ionizing terahertz waves penetrate superficial tissue layers; applications in skin cancer early detection, blood vessel and wound examination, and airport security (body scans).

The founders developed the technology from market validation: research institutions submitted inquiries, confirming filter performance. Mavrona and Hack used 3D printing for custom frame manufacturing. Lepto is supported by glatec and Innosuisse; Mavrona received the "Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship." The company is currently seeking pre-seed financing.

Key Findings

  • Terahertz radiation is closing as a technology field after 30 years of basic research to commercial maturity.
  • Lepto's ultra-thin filters (1 micrometer) offer weight advantages for space and mobility applications compared to established competing products.
  • Three parallel markets (space, 6G, medicine) reduce dependence on individual application fields; current demand comes from research, not industry.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: What specific performance metrics (transmission rate, bandwidth, durability) demonstrate Lepto's filters versus laboratory prototypes or competing systems? Are comparative data available?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: To what extent does Empa benefit as a shareholder from the spin-off's success, and how could this influence research prioritization in the "Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces" laboratory?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Why have established semiconductor companies (e.g., Siemens, Rohde & Schwarz) not already developed terahertz filter products? Are there technical or economic barriers that Lepto has overcome?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: Pre-seed financing suggests an early development phase – how long until series production? What scaling risks exist with 3D printing-based frame manufacturing?

  5. Market Validation: Current demand comes from research, not industry. What specific customer contracts or letters of intent exist for 6G or medical applications?

  6. Technological Dependence: How robust is the patent position against alternative filter architectures (e.g., metamaterials, photonic crystals)?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Lepto GmbH – Terahertz Filters for Space and 6G – news.admin.ch, 07.05.2026 https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/DKcpsboVuvixgbywNoLgu

Supplementary Sources:

  • Empa Press Release: lepto.ch
  • Empa Laboratory "Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces": www.empa.ch/web/s604/lepto

Verification Status: ✓ 07.05.2026

This text was created with the assistance of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-Check: 07.05.2026