From PhD to company founder THATec Innovation GmbH a spin-off of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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From PhD to company founder THATec Innovation GmbH a spin-off of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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From PhD to company founder THATec Innovation GmbH a spin-off of the HZDR funded in the framework of Helmholtz Enterprise ESM Brno, September 2019 1 Short CV 2009, Diploma in Physics: Magnetooptische Untersuchungen zum Schaltverhalten

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ESM Brno, September 2019 1

From PhD to company founder

THATec Innovation GmbH a spin-off of the HZDR funded in the framework of Helmholtz Enterprise

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ESM Brno, September 2019 2

Short CV

▪ 2009, Diploma in Physics: Magnetooptische Untersuchungen zum Schaltverhalten kleiner magnetischer Strukturen AG Hillebrands, TU Kaiserslautern

  • 2010-2013, PhD in Physics: Linear and nonlinear spin dynamics in

Co2Mn0.6Fe0.4Si Heusler microstructeres AG Hillebrands TU Kaiserslautern

  • 2014 & 2015, PostDoc: Spin dynamics & Brillouin light scattering microscopy

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Emmy-Noether group of Dr. Helmut Schultheiß ▪ 2016, project leader GridLab: technology transfer in the framework of Helmholtz Enterprise, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf ▪ since August 2016: CEO of THATec Innovation GmbH

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ESM Brno, September 2019 3

Short CV

Helmut Schultheiß Attila Kákay Thomas Meyer Thomas Sebastian Burkard Hillebrands

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ESM Brno, September 2019 4

Outline

  • 1. Scientific/technical background
  • Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy
  • Technical aspects and ideas for a startup
  • 2. THATec Innovation
  • Proposal
  • Foundation
  • Business activities

Illustration by Helmut Schultheiss

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ESM Brno, September 2019 5

inelastic scattering of photons and magnons

Brillouin Light Scattering

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ESM Brno, September 2019 6

Spin waves?

Animation by Helmut Schultheiss

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Dissertation H. Schultheiss

Frequency analysis – the TFPI

BLS intensity (a.u.) Frequency (GHz)

reference peak

Tandem-(3+3)-Fabry-Pérot interferometer by J.R. Sandercock:

  • frequency range: 500 MHz – 1 THz
  • spectral resolutions: up to 50 MHz
  • instrument needs to be aligned before measurements
  • Optics need to be stabilized during measurements
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ESM Brno, September 2019 8

inelastic scattering of photons and magnons

Brillouin Light Microscopy

  • ptical technique
  • scanning microscopy
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ESM Brno, September 2019 9

BLS microscopy

Waveguide geometry

  • thickness 30 nm
  • width 4 µm

Excitation of spin waves:

  • antenna structures
  • microwave currents
  • torque ~𝐍 × 𝐢

Experimental parameters

  • external field 40 mT
  • frequency 6.0 GHz
  • microwave power 0.1 mW
  • T. Sebastian et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 112402 (2012)
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ESM Brno, September 2019 10

BLS microscopy

  • T. Sebastian et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 112402 (2012)
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BLS microscopy

5,1µm

  • K. Schultheiss, H. Schultheiss, et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 097202 (2019)
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ESM Brno, September 2019 12 Wagner, Kákay, Sebastian, Schultheiß et al. Nature Nanotechnology 11, 432–436 (2016)

BLS microscopy

Further reading:

  • T. Sebastian, et al.:

Micro-focused Brillouin light scattering: imaging spin waves at the nanoscale Frontiers in Physics, 03 June 2015

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Technical aspects

Devices:

  • Tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer
  • Microscope
  • …
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Brillouin light scattering

  • Advanced control software for the Tandem-Fabry Pérot

interferometer

  • Powerful auto alignment routines
  • Continuous automated stabilization of the optics
  • Time-resolution upgrade available
  • Fully extendable with external devices via thaTEC:OS
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ESM Brno, September 2019 15

Brillouin light scattering

Helmut Schultheiß Burkard Hillebrands

software solution already available

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Technical aspects

Microscopy requirements

  • Enough space for electromagnet
  • Sample holder with electrical probes
  • In- and output port for laser
  • Automated scanning
  • Position stabilization
  • Custom made hard- and software

Illustration by Helmut Schultheiss

Devices:

  • Tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer
  • Microscope
  • …
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ESM Brno, September 2019 17

Optical scanning microscopy

  • Customized turnkey systems
  • On-site installation and training
  • Equipped with probe station
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ESM Brno, September 2019 18

Optical scanning microscopy

  • Fully automated sample positioning and scanning
  • Easy on-screen scan definition
  • Long-term active drift stabilization
  • Fully extendable with external devices via thaTEC:OS
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ESM Brno, September 2019 19

Technical aspects

Device:

  • Tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer
  • Microscope

Additional peripheral devices:

  • Electromagnet
  • rf signal generator
  • DC sources
  • Microwave spectrum analyzers
  • …
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ESM Brno, September 2019 20

Technical aspects

Do you want run around in the lab to push buttons all the time?

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ESM Brno, September 2019 21

Automate your lab!

Software modules for all your devices BUT: how to automatize cross-device measurements?

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thaTEC:OS

thaTEC:OS One interface to control and coordinate, and synchronize all your devices in automated measurements

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thaTEC:OS

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thaTEC:OS

Extend your setup with new devices or substitute devices

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thaTEC:OS

Running out of hardware interfaces? Distribute your devices on as many PCs as you like Extend your setup with new devices or substitute devices

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thaTEC:OS

  • Central interface to control all your devices
  • Easy cross-device automation via drag&drop
  • Powerful visualization tools
  • Digital lab book in measurement database
  • Large device library available
  • Extend it yourself: programming templates available
  • Minimal training efforts
  • Long-term solution
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ESM Brno, September 2019 27

Ideas for a startup

  • 1. Cross-device measurement protocol
  • ac/dc sources, electromagnet, …
  • 2. Scanning microscopy
  • custom hardware
  • position stabilization, scanning
  • 3. Tandem Fabry-Pérot interferometer
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ESM Brno, September 2019 28

Outline

  • 1. Scientific/technical background
  • Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy
  • Technical aspects and ideas for a startup
  • 2. THATec Innovation
  • Proposal
  • Foundation
  • Business activities
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ESM Brno, September 2019 29

History

Early in 2015: Team

  • technical aspects: qualification
  • motivation / ready to take risks?
  • external team members / job interviews?
  • shared CEO?

My own considerations

  • Offer solutions for scientists
  • Build something new based on my expertise
  • Software development is not too risky
  • Define own priorities
  • Create my own work environment
  • Interest of friends/colleagues to join the

company

Helmut Schultheiß Thomas Sebastian

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ESM Brno, September 2019 30

History

Early in 2015: Team

  • technical aspects: qualification
  • motivation / ready to take risks?
  • external team members / job interviews?
  • shared CEO?

From April/May 2015: Proposal phase

  • meeting with technology transfer department
  • discussion about funding options
  • discussion about business plan / potential markets
  • discussion about shares / licenses
  • accelerator programs?
  • joint work on proposal

Helmut Schultheiß Thomas Sebastian

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ESM Brno, September 2019 31

  • Dr. Attila Kákay
  • Dr. Thomas Sebastian
  • Dr. Helmut Schultheiß

Team and Proposal

Andreas Henschke

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Team and Proposal

How to sell this idea to referees without scientific background?

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ESM Brno, September 2019 33

▪ text processing ▪ spreadsheet ▪ presentation ▪ music, videos, … ▪ ….

Proposal

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coordination of internal components extension via external components plug&play

Proposal

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coordination of internal components extension via external components plug&play

  • perating system

1.coordination & synchronization 2.interfaces & drivers

Proposal

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  • our solution: thaTEC:OS
  • collection of more than 20 LOIs
  • survey about willingness to pay

Operating System for Labs

  • perating system

1.coordination & synchronization 2.interfaces & drivers

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History

October 2015: submission of proposal

  • Helmholtz Enterprise

December 2015: project presentation

  • Helmholtz in Berlin

April 2016: start of funding period

  • participation at Fdays (Fraunhofer accelarator program)
  • midterm evaluation in August

August 2016: foundation of company

  • Gesellschaftsvertrag: shares / finances

since 2017: start of business activities, sales, break even

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ESM Brno, September 2019 38

History

August 2018: second full-time employee

  • stronger focus on microscopy hardware

Early October 2018: visit to Brno

  • Setting up a BLS microscope
  • Enjoying Czech hospitality
  • Discussion about the ESM 2019

Thomas Meyer

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History

August 2018: second full-time employee

  • stronger focus on microscopy hardware

Thomas Meyer

End of October 2018: real vacation for me Early October 2018: visit to Brno

  • Setting up a BLS microscope
  • Enjoying Czech hospitality
  • Discussion about the ESM 2019
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ESM Brno, September 2019 40

History

Labs running thaTEC:OS Experimental techniques: Brillouin light scattering, magnetooptical Kerr effect, electrical transport measurements, Raman scattering, optical detection of phase-resolved FMR, fluorescence measurement, …

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Lessons learned?

  • 1. Minimum marketable feature
  • Identify what can be used immediately
  • Find test users as early as possible
  • Talk to potential users as early as possible
  • 2. Marketing, marketing, marketing
  • 3. Finances: Everything takes longer than expected
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Daily work

the fun part

  • freedom to realize your own ideas
  • freedom to organize your work as you wish
  • technical aspects / developments
  • contacts to basic research, visits to labs all over the

world

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Daily work

the fun part

  • freedom to realize your own ideas
  • freedom to organize your work as you wish
  • technical aspects / developments
  • contacts to basic research, visits to labs all over the

world new playgrounds

  • marketing
  • exhibition stands
  • practical / workshops
  • social media

THATecInnovation thatecinnovation @thatecinno

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Daily work

the fun part

  • freedom to realize your own ideas
  • freedom to organize your work as you wish
  • technical aspects / developments
  • contacts to basic research, visits to labs all over the

world annoying obligations

  • finances
  • insurances
  • taxes, customs, legal dealings
  • infrastructure
  • …all the responsibility and risk

new playgrounds

  • marketing
  • exhibition stands
  • practical / workshops
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THATec Innovation

By scientists for scientists – Let’s automate your lab! Thank your for your attention!

spin-off of the HZDR funded in the framework of Helmholtz Enterprise

https://www.thatec-innovation.com contact@thatec-innovation.com