Bright-Laser Tech Reduces Gear and Power Needed to Beam Data

2026-05-07 · Source: IEEE Spectrum · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Optical Communications · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

A Scottish startup, Vector Photonics, has successfully demonstrated the first-ever outdoor data transmission using photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), moving the technology beyond laboratory settings. PCSELs are a new generation of semiconductor lasers that are compact, energy-efficient, and emit bright, narrow beams, simplifying the optics required for data transmission compared to conventional lasers. The company, a University of Glasgow spinoff, utilized PCSELs made of indium phosphide and indium gallium arsenide phosphide, integrated into a system designed by the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics. They achieved data rates of 50 million bits per second (Mb/s) over 300 meters across the River Clyde and 500 meters across a field, using a near-infrared wavelength of 1,310 nanometers (O-band). This real-world demonstration validates PCSELs' performance under fluctuating environmental conditions, despite current field speeds being lower than laboratory-achieved rates of 16 gigabits per second.

Key takeaway

For product managers evaluating next-generation optical communication components, Vector Photonics' successful outdoor PCSEL demonstration signals a viable, compact, and cost-effective alternative to conventional lasers. You should investigate PCSELs for applications requiring simplified optics and robust performance in varied environmental conditions, such as data centers, telecommunications, or even satellite links, anticipating future speeds of 1 Gb/s over 1 kilometer.

Key insights

Photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs) enable robust, simplified free-space optical communication outside the lab.

Principles

• PCSELs simplify optical systems.
• PCSELs perform under environmental fluctuations.

Method

Vector Photonics integrated indium phosphide/indium gallium arsenide phosphide PCSELs into a system with off-the-shelf electronics, transmitting data at 1,310 nm over distances up to 500 meters in open air.

In practice

• Use PCSELs for free-space optical links.
• Consider PCSELs for satellite communications.

Topics

• Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers
• Free-Space Optical Communications
• Data Transmission
• Vector Photonics
• Indium Phosphide

Best for: Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Product Manager

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by IEEE Spectrum.