Vector Photonics Secures Funding and Grants for PCSEL R&D

The semiconductor laser industry is on the brink of a major transformation, thanks to groundbreaking technology developed by Vector Photonics. The company's innovative approach is set to revolutionize semiconductor laser manufacture, promising enhanced performance across a wide range of applications. From next-generation datacentres to AI, lidar, and optical sensing, the potential impact of this technology is vast and varied.

Neil Martin, CEO of Vector Photonics, expressed his excitement about the latest injection of funds that will propel the development and commercialization of the company's Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Laser (PCSEL) technologies. This financial boost provides a solid foundation for Vector Photonics to further advance its cutting-edge solutions in the semiconductor laser space.

The equity investment that fuels Vector Photonics' growth comes from a consortium of four companies, all of which have previously shown confidence in the company's vision. Foresight WAE Technology Funds, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, Equity Gap, and Scottish Enterprise have joined forces to support Vector Photonics on its journey towards innovation and success.

Vector Photonics is embarking on two significant development projects that underscore the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of laser technology. The first project, FRONTIERS, is a £670,000 initiative focused on free-space optics, funded by the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). Concurrently, the company is engaged in the GRAPHICS project, a £600,000 collaboration with the University of Glasgow, aimed at advancing Gallium Nitride (GaN) material processing expertise. This endeavor holds the promise of creating blue and green lasers that are not only more efficient but also consume significantly less power compared to equivalent LEDs.

In a strategic partnership, Sivers and Vector Photonics are pooling their expertise to develop next-generation laser materials that could revolutionize the field of AI interconnectivity. The £1 million project aims to produce a 1W PCSEL (Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Laser) that could have far-reaching implications for various industries reliant on laser technology.