#USA #Boston #InPHRED #VCSEL #SWIR

InPHRED Introduces the First Commercial SWIR VCSEL

InPHRED, a cutting-edge player in semiconductor technologies, has made a significant leap in innovation by announcing the world's very first cost-effective Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). This advance is anticipated to revolutionize multiple sectors, including consumer-level 3D and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) sensing, biomedical sensing, industrial applications, autonomous vehicles, telecommunications, and defense systems.

A Game-Changing Technology

The newly developed SWIR VCSEL, marked as the SA-series, is currently operable at 1,380nm, although custom wavelengths ranging from 1,300nm to 2,200nm can be requested. This sensor boasts a remarkable power efficiency rating with milliwatt (mW) operating power and a peak conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 27%. Jacob Tarn, CEO of InPHRED, expressed that this exceptional power efficiency marks a significant advancement in applications demanding peak precision and reliability on a commercial scale, aligning with industrial and environmental standards.

Addressing Industry Needs

For decades, the semiconductor sector has faced challenges in developing an economically viable SWIR VCSEL that accomplishes high-speed and high-resolution imaging and sensing, particularly within the eye-safe and biocompatible SWIR emission range. InPHRED's novel approach involves a streamlined manufacturing process for InP VCSELs emitting wavelengths between 1,300 and 2,200 nm, positioning the company as a market leader in producing high-performance, commercially feasible SWIR VCSELs. This innovation is crucial for various industries that rely on robust, high-precision sensing capabilities, such as automotive, biomedical, industrial, and defense.

Diverse Applications

InPHRED’s new sensor harmonizes the high image quality and resolution characteristic of SWIR wavelengths with the advantages of VCSEL technology, such as impressive efficiency, modulation speed, and ease of manufacture. Here are some notable applications:

1. Consumer and Mobile Technology: SWIR VCSELs facilitate enhanced 3D sensing for consumer devices, contribute to AR/VR experiences, enable biometric identification (like FaceID), and allow for under-display integrations, all while maintaining a lightweight design and low power consumption.

2. Biomedical Monitoring: By employing SWIR VCSEL technology, developers can create affordable, wearable, and non-invasive sensors capable of tracking key biomolecules like blood glucose and oxygen levels, which respond optically in the SWIR spectrum.

3. Autonomous LiDAR: These sensors provide eye-safe, high-resolution 3D imaging and mapping for applications in automotive and industrial LiDAR systems, capable of performing even in low-light conditions, including rain, fog, and dust, where traditional camera systems may fail.

4. Industrial Inspection: The precision delivered by SWIR VCSELs allows for advanced material inspection and quality control across various sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.

5. Data Communication: Thanks to their low divergence and high optical output, SWIR VCSELs are efficiently applied in optical interconnects, achieving high modulation speeds crucial for data transmission.

About InPHRED

InPHRED is renowned for commercializing next-generation semiconductor solutions backed by Yale University technology. The introduction of the SWIR VCSEL enhances their existing portfolio, which already includes blue and green Resonant Cavity Light-Emitting Diodes (RC-LEDs). Industry representatives are set to showcase this groundbreaking technology at the SPIE Photonics West exhibition taking place from January 27 to 30, 2025, in San Francisco, USA.

For those interested in learning more about their offerings or scheduling meetings, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].