VCSEL stands for Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser. It is a type of semiconductor laser that emits light vertically from the surface of a built-in semiconductor chip. The laser beam is emitted perpendicular to the surface of the chip, unlike traditional edge-emitting lasers that emit beam parallel to the chip surface.
VCSELs are compact, efficient, and have a number of distinct characteristics which make them suitable for a wide range of applications. They can be fabricated in arrays, enabling them to emit multiple beams simultaneously, and are capable of emitting light at various wavelengths from near-infrared to visible light.
The design of VCSELs incorporates a cavity between two distributed Bragg reflector mirrors. This cavity allows the laser to oscillate, and by controlling the size and quality of the cavity, VCSELs can emit a single-mode beam with high efficiency. The output power can vary from a few milliwatts to tens of watts depending on the application.
VCSELs have found various applications in optical communication, sensing, and imaging technology. They are commonly used in fiber optic communications, where they serve as the light source for transmitting data over long distances. VCSELs are also employed in 3D sensing technologies such as facial recognition in smartphones and depth sensing in gaming devices.
The compact size, low cost, and reliability of VCSELs have made them a preferred choice in many emerging technologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles. With ongoing advancements in VCSEL technology, their applications are expected to expand further in the future.
