Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has collaborated with the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study to achieve laser oscillation in a 2 µm-band infrared photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL).
The development builds on PCSEL technology, first developed in the early 2000s by a research team at Kyoto University led by Professor Susumu Noda. PCSELs provide higher functionality in a compact device compared to conventional lasers. Demand has grown for higher-brightness, narrow-linewidth light sources in applications including biomolecule sensing and breath gas analysis, which has increased the need for small, mass-producible infrared lasers. AKM and Kyoto University worked to optimize the light source structure, resulting in the successful laser oscillation in the 2 µm band using PCSEL.
This outcome supports the miniaturization of next-generation sensing systems while retaining the high directionality and narrow spectral bandwidth characteristics of PCSEL.
The 2 µm wavelength band includes absorption lines for gases such as CO2 and CH4. Combined with PCSEL's high directionality and narrow linewidth, the technology is positioned for use in high-sensitivity greenhouse gas detection and other fields requiring high-precision measurement of trace gases.
Yoshinobu Fujimoto, General Manager of R&D at AKM’s Business Development Center, stated that the advancements show the strong potential of PCSEL for applications requiring high power and precise optical control. He noted that combining AKM’s technological background with the expertise of Professor Susumu Noda and his team at Kyoto University has unlocked new performance capabilities that could benefit a wide range of applications.
AKM has indicated plans to accelerate research and development of 2 µm-band PCSEL technology, focusing on manufacturability and advanced photonic crystal designs.
The research results were presented at the Spring Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics in March 2026.
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