Stanley, Nichia, and Kyoto University have been collaboratively working to advance the state of the art in PCSELs – photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers.
By optimizing a proprietary photonic crystal structure and electrode design, the team succeeded in generating a highly directional beam from a PCSEL device with an emission area of ø1 mm. Conventional blue lasers face a trade-off between output power and beam divergence; expanding the emission area typically reduces brightness. However, this research achieved a beam divergence of less than 0.05° (compared to the conventional 0.1° to 0.2°), while attaining energy densities comparable to those of large-scale laser systems.
This advancement positions PCSELs as promising light sources for precision processing of materials such as copper and aluminium, which have high optical absorption in the blue wavelength region.
The research also verified the potential of PCSELs for high-precision underwater sensing applications. Theoretical analysis indicates that objects as small as 1 cm can be detected at distances of up to ten metres underwater. This would open new possibilities in fields where traditional infrared or acoustic sensing is limited, such as detecting submerged obstacles to prevent maritime accidents, inspecting underwater infrastructure like bridge piers, and exploring underwater resources.
In automotive applications, PCSEL-based lidar systems are expected to enhance the safety of autonomous driving under weather conditions such as rain and fog, where camera-based systems face challenges.
Stanley Electric and Kyoto University’s Noda Laboratory were responsible for design, evaluation, and prototyping of PCSEL devices, including performance evaluation of samples provided by Nichia, who were responsible for fabrication and internal evaluation of PCSEL device samples.
By combining the photonic crystal design and evaluation expertise of Stanley and Kyoto University with Nichia’s advanced laser fabrication technology, the three partners will continue collaborative R&D toward the practical realization and commercialization of PCSEL technology. This industry/academia partnership project aims to open new horizons in photonics and contribute to innovation in manufacturing, sensing, and mobility applications.
