What's Happening?
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM), in collaboration with the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, has successfully achieved laser oscillation in a 2 µm-band infrared photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL). This technological
milestone is expected to enable the miniaturization of next-generation sensing systems while maintaining PCSEL’s high directionality and narrow spectral bandwidth. PCSEL technology, initially developed in the early 2000s by a research team at Kyoto University, offers higher functionality in a compact device compared to conventional lasers. The demand for higher-brightness, narrow-linewidth light sources for applications such as biomolecule sensing and breath gas analysis has driven the need for small, mass-producible infrared lasers. AKM and Kyoto University optimized the light source structure, culminating in a laser oscillation in the 2 µm band using a PCSEL.
Why It's Important?
The advancement in PCSEL technology is significant for high-sensitivity greenhouse gas detection, as the 2 µm wavelength band includes absorption lines associated with gases such as CO2 and CH4. This property, combined with the high directionality and narrow linewidth of PCSEL, is expected to benefit fields requiring high-precision measurement of trace gases. The development demonstrates the strong potential of PCSEL for applications requiring high power and precise optical control. By combining AKM’s technological background with the expertise of Professor Susumu Noda and his team at Kyoto University, new performance capabilities are being unlocked, which could benefit a wide range of applications.
What's Next?
AKM plans to accelerate research and development of 2 µm-band PCSEL technology with a focus on manufacturability and advanced photonic crystal designs. The research results related to this technology were presented at the Spring Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics in March 2026. This ongoing development could lead to further innovations in optical sensing technology, potentially impacting various industries that rely on precise measurement and detection capabilities.
