Recent Progress in Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs)
A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732). This special issue belongs to the section "Optoelectronics and Optical Materials".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 27
Special Issue Editors
Interests: semiconductor lasers (EEL, VCSEL, PCSEL); high-speed devices; photonic crystal devices; membrane sensors; photonic-integrated circuits
Interests: vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers; semiconductor lasers; semiconductor lasers’ reliability; thermal management; optoelectronic integration
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In recent years, the field of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) has witnessed significant advancements, driven largely by their widespread adoption in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and data communications. These applications have further stimulated research into VCSEL devices and their underlying physics. The unique advantages of VCSELs—which include their ultra-compact size, low power consumption, high-speed operation, and high-power capability—have been key drivers of these developments.
However, critical challenges remain, such as improving their power conversion efficiency, enhancing their intrinsic bandwidth, and increasing their output power. Additionally, emerging research areas—such as wavelength expansion, oxide-free VCSELs, and the integration of high-contrast gratings—present exciting opportunities for further innovation.
Given this dynamic technological landscape, Photonics is pleased to announce a Special Issue dedicated to highlighting recent progress in VCSELs and exploring future directions for the development and applications of these devices. We invite contributions on topics including, but not limited to, the following:
- Physics and Design of Devices: Novel structures, materials, and fabrication techniques;
- Performance Optimization: Efficiency, bandwidth, beam quality, and power scaling;
- Emerging Applications: Automotive LiDAR, optical sensing, and high-speed communications;
- Advanced Concepts: Wavelength expansion, oxide-free designs, and hybrid integration.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that advance our understanding and application of VCSEL technology.
Dr. Zhonghe Liu
Dr. Dongyue Jin
Dr. Wei Li
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- VCSELs
- high-speed modulation
- high-power operation
- high power conversion efficiency
- 3D sensing
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