University of Glasgow spin out, Vector Photonics, is developing Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Laser (PCSELs), a disruptive semiconductor laser technology. This technology is lower in cost, has improved robustness, and greater speed and power in comparison to its competition such as Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs). Semiconductor lasers are a critical component for data communications, additive manufacturing, LIDAR and optical sensing, a market that is rapidly growing.
Vector Photonics received £750k in May 2021 and a further £250k in a follow-on round in September 2022, bringing their total to £1 million from FWT. They are using their funding to accelerate product development, with its first prototype released July 2022, a major step towards commercialisation.
Company link: https://www.vectorphotonics.co.uk/technology/
