THz devices
High-performance THz devices for space, communication, and beyond
Lepto designs and manufactures efficient, scalable terahertz (THz) devices. Starting with precision filters powering secure 6G and satellite links.
Scalability
Space
Low-loss
Patented processes
Products
What we build
A new generation of THz devices for efficient control and manipulation of THz beams of 6G signals for space and Earth communication. Our technology is patented, and our devices are shipped as engineered stacks with precision holders. More than 20 of our flagship products, the THz band pass filters, are in use by world-leading THz research groups. All our devices are available in various size and shape – customized for your setup and holders.
Band-Pass Filters
Precisely tuned THz filters that transmit only a narrow frequency band while blocking out-of-band noise. Optimized for atmospheric transmission windows, they feature low insertion loss and sharp rejection — ideal for 6G backhaul or inter-satellite links requiring clean, stable channels.
Polarizers
THz thin-film polarizers define and control the polarization state of your signal with a high extinction ratio. Delivered with rotation mounts and alignment accessories to streamline integration from laboratory to field systems.
Diffraction Gratings
Engineered THz gratings that spatially disperse radiation by wavelength for channel separation, beam-shaping or spectroscopy. Custom line geometries and substrates provide high diffraction efficiency and uniform angular response.
THz devices in the pipeline
We have the following custom THz devices in the pipeline: low-pass filters, beam splitters, waveplates, waveguides, mirrors, and lenses — all engineered to your specifications. Designed for low absorption, low dispersion and high stability across defined frequency bands, enabling optimal performance in both experimental and deployed THz systems.
Services
What we offer
Consulting and simulation services alongside our components to help teams evaluate, design, and integrate THz systems faster.
Consulting
13+ years of THz experience across imaging, optical measurement, cleanroom fabrication, and 3D-printing. We help define specs, select materials, develop fabrication processes, and architect test setups.
Simulations
Multi-physics workflow for THz and infrared components. We iterate quickly and deliver models that translate to manufacturable devices.
Technology
Low-loss THz components with sharp selectivity
Patent-pending technology for tunable designs targeting key 6G and Earth-to-satellite windows.
- Energy efficient and lightweight
- Temperature resistant –100 to 150°C
- Scalable custom designs
Use cases
Built for 6G and space — useful everywhere
Ground-to-satellite links
Make connections to low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites more reliable. Our filters, beam splitters, and polarizers help shape the spectrum and reduce signal loss, allowing to pack channels tighter and keep links stable even with many satellites overhead.
6G backhaul & fronthaul
Build dense, flexible networks without drowning in interference. THz filters and gratings let you separate channels cleanly and keep latency low, so data transmit fast between radios, hubs, and small cells.
THz imaging & security
Get clearer pictures. Our low-loss filters and polarizers suppress noise so cameras and scanners provide higher image contrast – indispensable for medical, industrial, and security imaging.
Space payloads
Fly hardware that’s small, sturdy, and efficient. Temperature-tolerant and light-weight THz devices – filters, beam splitters, and polarizers – fit tight small-sat designs and keep constellation links clean without heavy, power-hungry RF chains.
About us
Who we are
Lepto is an Empa spin-off near Zurich, Switzerland, bringing advanced terahertz (THz) research to life. We design and manufacture THz devices – from filters to beam splitters and polarizers – for telecom, space, and beyond. Backed by peer-reviewed research, patents, and advisors with startup and engineering expertise, we combine scientific rigor with real-world impact to make the THz spectrum accessible and scalable.
The advisory board
Over 15 years experience in Nanofabrication. Start-Up experience, EMBA.
Backed by research
Spun off from Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science & Technology). We partner with industry and space programs to accelerate 6G and satellite applications.
Partner with usWhy us?
Strong Founding Team: Experienced, interdisciplinary team with deep technical and market expertise.
Why now?
Urgent Market Need: Lepto addresses a critical gap in space and telecom markets.
Ready to Execute: Technology validated, patent pending, and support network in place. We have prototypes (TRL 4-6) and pilot customers.
Vision
Make Terahertz technology accessible, efficient and transformative across industries
Our mission is to bring THz technology out of the laboratory and into real-world applications, enabling next-generation space systems and powering the 6G communications revolution.
Performance without lab fragility
Rugged components specified for real environments: thermal stability and vibration tolerance.
Designed for integration
Compact form factors with all mounting options. Drop-in upgrades for THz systems.
Scalable by design
Batch processes keep costs low and quality high, from prototype to volume production.
Testimonials
Trusted by teams building at the edge
Our devices and support help teams ship real systems — not just demos.
PSI
Steven Johnson, Professor of physics at ETH Zurich and head of the experimental “pump” laser group of PSI
“Your highly selective narrowband THz filters were instrumental in adapting our THz source for applications in quantum information.”
ETH
Jerome Faist, Professor in the Physics department at ETH, Quantum Optoelectronics Group (QOE)
“We required a 3 THz bandpass filter for time-domain spectroscopy measurements to reduce background signal. The filter provided by Lepto was very effective and much less lossy than other filtering methods we tried. Plus, the packaging made it very easy to mount on an optical post and easily slot into our experimental system.”
Max Planck Institut für Kernphysik
Laura Cattaneo, Group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics
“Working with Lepto has been a great experience. Their THz filters combine excellent performance with reliability, and the team’s innovative approach makes collaboration effortless. We are excited to continue with their upcoming THz polarizers.”
News
Latest from our company
Highlights, releases, and behind-the-scenes from Lepto.
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