Welcome to today's insightful conversation with Mr. Balthasar Fischer, the visionary founder and CEO of XARION Laser Acoustics. Over twelve years ago, in the vibrant city of Vienna, Balthasar embarked on an innovative journey that led to the creation of a groundbreaking technology—a laser-based optical microphone for ultrasound detection. This remarkable invention is the cornerstone of XARION, a company that has revolutionized industrial quality monitoring.
In this interview, Balthasar shares the fascinating story of his early obsession with developing an optical microphone, a pursuit that began during his university days and led him to secure a PhD position under the mentorship of Professor Ernst Wintner at the Vienna University of Technology. His relentless passion and vision have driven XARION from its humble beginnings as a startup with no revenue to a thriving enterprise serving prestigious clients like CERN and Airbus.
So, without wasting any time, let’s get started.
Hey Mr. Balthasar, it’s fantastic to have you with us today! To get started, Could you introduce yourself to our wonderful audience?
Sure, I'm the founder and CEO of XARION Laser Acoustics. XARION is a company I started twelve years ago in Vienna, and it's based on my invention, a laser-based optical microphone for ultrasound detection.
… we have to know, what sparked your interest in photonics and led you to pursue a PhD in this field? Was there a particular moment or influence that set you on this path?
I had this – I would call it – obsessive idea to develop an optical microphone during my time at university. I called a professor at ETH Zurich and asked directly if he could give me a position as a researcher to develop such an optical microphone. Since I was living in Vienna at the time, he recommended his friend, Professor Ernst Wintner, at the Vienna University of Technology. I called Professor Wintner, and he was fascinated by the idea. He offered me a position in his team as a PhD student. I am very grateful he could share my vision.
… you've been the CEO of XARION Laser Acoustics for quite some time now. Can you share a memorable story from your early days at the company? Maybe something that made you think, "Yes, this is exactly where I want to be"?
Absolutely. We started the company as a startup, and at the beginning, we didn't generate revenue. Our first customer was CERN in Geneva, and they bought microphones to measure the impact of proton bombardment on a target. I had to go down into the tunnel and install the sensors in the middle of the night, because CERN schedules beam time much like an airport, with specific slots planned years in advance. Our slot was at 3 a.m., and installing the sensors in that unique environment was an incredible experience.
… leading a tech company must come with its fair share of challenges. Can you tell us about a time when you faced a tough decision and how you navigated through it?
When I first founded the company in 2012, we thought the optical microphone would be used in mobile phones and other consumer electronics. Our business plan was to produce a low-cost sensor and target high volumes, aiming for millions of units. However, after one or two years, we realized the true value of our microphone was its wide frequency detection range, which wasn't useful for consumer electronics because those frequencies aren't audible. We had to shift our business plan from consumer electronics to industrial quality monitoring, where the ultrasound bandwidth is highly valuable. This pivot led us to the NDT industry.
… can you share an innovative project that started with a simple idea and grew into something groundbreaking?
I would say this kind of applies to my company XARION. The entire company started from a theoretical thesis, my PhD thesis, and a large lab prototype the size of a table. I did first audio demos with this acoustic sensor by having a friend of mine, a trumpet player, playing a jazz song into the laser interferometer. We eventually integrated that into a miniaturized ultrasonic detector and grew to a company employing close to 50 people and serving international blue chip companies being our customers.
Problem-solving is a big part of any tech role. Do you have a go-to strategy or philosophy when tackling complex problems? Maybe a story where your approach made all the difference?
I follow the Nike approach: Just do it. Europeans sometimes have a tendency to overthink problems. Sometimes you just have to take action.
… what’s the most interesting or unusual job you had before becoming CEO of XARION Laser Acoustics?
In-between my PhD in laser physics and after my initial studies in Switzerland, I studied sound engineering at the University of Music in Vienna. During that time, I worked as a sound designer for a movie company and composed several film scores. It wasn't on a Hans Zimmer level, though, I think it would be fairer to call it elevator music :-)
… keeping up with industry trends is crucial. What are some of your favorite ways to stay informed? Any go-to books, podcasts, or conferences?
I'm not much of a books or podcasts person, but I believe in personal conversations. Although attending conferences can be exhausting due to the organizational work, it's crucial to speak to people in person. Everything in business ultimately comes down to human connections, so it's important to engage with colleagues, customers, and mentors face-to-face.
… what are you most excited about in the coming year for XARION Laser Acoustics?
We started with prototypes, made our way into the R&D labs of major companies, and now have our first automated, water-free laser-based ultrasound inspection systems in industrial production plants. For instance, we just set up a production system for Airbus, so our technology is actually clearing aircrafts to be safe for flight. All based on robots. Now, it’s all about multiplying those systems and becoming the industry standard for automatized industrial ultrasound inspection. That’s going to be very exciting.
Mr. Balthasar, on a very personal and reflective note, who has been a significant mentor to you, and what’s the best piece of advice they've ever given you? On a reflective note, who has been a significant mentor and what's the best piece of advice they've ever given you?
During my PhD, my professor, Ernst, advised me that whenever you're upset and feel the urge to take immediate action, sleep on it and wait a day. This was valuable advice, especially since I tend to overreact at times.
… for those just starting their careers in photonics or tech in general, what advice would you give? Any lessons you learned the hard way that you wish someone had told you earlier?
Focus on the output. It is not about the way how you do it, it is the output which counts.
Let’s switch gears a bit—what do you do to unwind and relax when you’re not immersed in the world of laser acoustics? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I’m a passionate snowboarder. So, during winter season which I declare to be from late November to early May, I jump in the train and make my way to St. Anton, which I think is the world’s best skiing resort.
… how do your personal interests and hobbies influence your professional life? Any surprising connections or funny stories?
I'm a piano player, and ultrasound and acoustics are related to music. We sometimes scale down an ultrasound measurement from our lab, make it audible, and listen to it. That's quite fun.
… how do you see platforms like OneStop NDT playing a role in the future of your industry?
It's all about connecting human beings. I think a platform like OneStop NDT is an important tool to facilitate those connections.
