Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM), working closely with the Kyoto University Institute for Advanced Study, has achieved a major milestone in laser technology successful laser oscillation in a 2 µm-band infrared photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL).
This breakthrough paves the way for smaller, next-generation sensing systems that can still deliver PCSEL’s signature high directionality and narrow spectral bandwidth.
Originally developed at Kyoto University in the early 2000s by Professor Susumu Noda and his team, PCSEL technology combines high functionality with a compact form factor.
As industries push for brighter, narrower linewidth light sources for applications like biomolecule sensing and breath gas analysis, the need for scalable, mass-producible infrared lasers has never been greater.
Building on this demand, AKM and Kyoto University have refined the light source structure to achieve laser oscillation in the 2 µm infrared band.
The 2 µm wavelength range is especially useful for detecting greenhouse gases since it includes absorption lines for key molecules such as CO2 and CH4.
When paired with PCSEL technology’s exceptional beam quality and spectral precision, the technology opens new possibilities for high-sensitivity, trace gas measurement in both environmental and industrial applications.
Looking ahead, AKM plans to ramp up R&D efforts in 2 µm-band PCSELs, focusing on manufacturability and advanced photonic crystal design optimizations.
The details of this achievement were presented at the Spring Meeting of the Japan Society of Applied Physics in March 2026.
Leadership Comment
“These advancements demonstrate the strong potential of PCSEL for applications requiring high power and precise optical control,” said Yoshinobu Fujimoto, General Manager of R&D at AKM’s Business Development Center. “By combining AKM’s technological background with the expertise of Professor Susumu Noda and his team at Kyoto University, we are unlocking new performance capabilities that could benefit a wide range of applications.”
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