University of Glasgow spin-out to make revolutionary lasers
Vector Photonics to commercialise all-semiconductor PCSEL (Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Laser) technology
Vector Photonics, a University of Glasgow spin-out, has announced it will commercialise its PCSEL-based semiconductor lasers, which it describes as the most significant innovation in laser design and manufacture for 30 years.
Vector Photonics CEO, Neil Martin, said: “PCSELs are low cost, robust, have a broad wavelength range and high power. This combination of key characteristics gives them a huge advantage over most of the laser technologies used today. This includes VCSELs, which are robust, but compromise wavelength range and power, and EEL’s (Edge Emitting Lasers), which have broad wavelength range, but are expensive to make and are fragile to handle.
“PCSELs emit light from their top surface, like VCSELs, making them easy to package and incorporate into PCBs and electronic assemblies. They are also produced in a similar way to EELs, allowing us to draw on existing supply chain expertise and capacity as we grow.”
The Vector Photonics’ commercial team, comprising Neil Martin and Euan Livingston, has detailed knowledge of the entire photonics supply chain. The technical team includes the inventors of the all-semiconductor, PCSEL (Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers) technology itself, Richard Taylor, David Childs and Richard Hogg.
Vector Photonics’ initial focus is Hyperscale data centre applications, however, PCSEL technology brings critical, new functionality to LiDAR, mobile consumer, biometric and sensing markets.
