BluGlass launches laser diode business
Patented RPCVD platform and tunnel junction capabilities offers laser diode manufacturers a number of performance and cost advantages
Australian semiconductor developer BluGlass has announced the launch of a new direct-to-market business unit to build on the company’s unique RPCVD technology advantages in the high value, high margin GaN laser diode market.
High-brightness GaN laser diodes are used in a number of applications that include industrial lasers (cutting and welding), automotive and general lighting, displays, and life sciences.
BluGlass says its patented RPCVD platform and unique tunnel junction capabilities offers laser diode manufacturers a number of performance and cost advantages over the industry incumbent technology including higher performing devices, reduced optical loss, and productivity and cost improvements.
BluGlass’ is developing GaN laser diode prototypes and expects to deliver its first laser diode product next calendar year. The new business unit will be headed by the VP of business development, Brad Siskavich out of BluGlass’ US office.
Siskavich has over 20 years of experience in laser diode business management. “This new business stream fits well with our strategy of commercialising the competitive advantages of the RPCVD technology to maximise returns. This highly customisable, end-to-end approach will enable BluGlass to generate revenue in this high-value market and build our leadership in the manufacture of novel GaN laser diodes”. said Siskavich.
The total global market for laser market applications is estimated to reach $27 billion by 2025. The GaN laser diode segment is an emerging market opportunity, expected to grow to represent a $658M Serviceable Addressable Market for BluGlass by 2025. GaN lasers require a higher performance, lower cost technology solution to help address significant unmet needs in the industry. The company will initially focus on industrial laser diodes for welding and cutting applications, targeting a market capture of 6-10 percent ($40-65M) of this SAM by 2025.
“BluGlass is entering the laser diode market as a result of our success in demonstrating tunnel junctions as a building block for high-performance, cascade LEDs. Our RPCVD tunnel junction technology has unique, compelling advantages to drive performance and cost improvements for the GaN laser diode market,” said BluGlass Managing Director, Giles Bourne. “LEDs and laser diodes are, in their physics and material growth, very similar, which allows us to accelerate our entry into this new market space without diluting our activities on other RPCVD applications.’’
BluGlass, with the recent opening of the Paul Dunnigan Laboratories, now has the pre-installed RPCVD capacity onsite in Silverwater to gain significant Laser Diode revenues and build a profitable business unit.
