#Japan #Tokyo #VCSEL #Honda Foundation #Kenichi Iga

Dr. Kenichi Iga and the 2025 Honda Prize

The Honda Foundation recently announced the awarding of the prestigious 2025 Honda Prize to Dr. Kenichi Iga, an honorary professor at the Institute of Science Tokyo and former president of the Tokyo Institute of Technology. This international recognition highlights his visionary contributions to the conception and development of the Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL), particularly his influence in advancing both fundamental research and practical applications.

Since its inception in 1980, the Honda Prize has celebrated scientific and technological achievements aimed at fostering a more humane civilization. The Honda Foundation was established by Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and his brother Benjiro, reflecting their commitment to promoting innovation that harmonizes with nature and society.

The significance of the Honda Prize lies not only in acknowledging individual achievements but also in recognizing the potential of innovative technologies to address pressing global challenges. Dr. Iga's work embodies this vision, as his development of VCSEL technology has revolutionized the field of optoelectronics and opened doors to groundbreaking applications.

What is VCSEL?

VCSEL, short for Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser, is a unique laser technology that differs from traditional Edge Emitting Lasers (EEL). The advantages of VCSELs include compact size, the ability for stable single-wavelength oscillation, and efficient power consumption. These features have paved the way for their application in diverse areas, such as high-speed data communication, fiber optics, and automated systems like LiDAR for self-driving vehicles.

Dr. Iga's journey with VCSEL began in 1977 when he first proposed the idea. Despite initial skepticism from both academia and industry regarding its feasibility, Dr. Iga's relentless research and advocacy eventually led to public recognition and commercialization of the technology. A significant milestone came in 1988 when Dr. Fumio Koyama, a collaborator of Dr. Iga, succeeded in demonstrating the first room-temperature continuous-wave operation of a VCSEL—a landmark achievement that propelled the technology into broader use.

Today, VCSELs are integral to the functioning of many modern devices. They have transformed applications in various sectors, enabling advancements like facial recognition systems, high-speed data transfer, and smart technologies that rely on precise distance measurement.

The Honda Prize is not merely a celebration of an individual's accomplishments; it also encapsulates a lifelong commitment to the ideals of eco-friendly technology and its applications. Dr. Iga will officially receive the Honda Prize during a ceremony held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, on November 17, 2025. Accompanying this honor will be a prize medal, diploma, and financial award of 10 million yen.

As the world continues to face complex environmental and technological challenges, the work of dedicated innovators like Dr. Iga represents a beacon of hope. His achievements illustrate how combining scientific inquiry with a commitment to societal betterment can lead to transformative changes that benefit mankind.

For more information about the Honda Prize and its past laureates, visit the Honda Foundation’s official website and discover the broader mission behind this celebrated international award.