---
title: "Semergytech · Photonic crystal lasers"
description: "Semergytech designs and builds photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs): single-mode, high-power laser sources for LiDAR, free-space communications and sensing."
canonical: https://www.semergytech.com
---

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# Photonic crystal lasers, from the lab to production

Semergytech is commercializing photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs): semiconductor lasers that emit a narrow, single-mode beam from a large area.

Our work builds on years of research at the University of Texas at Arlington and Stanford University. We sample PCSEL chips today and design them with our own simulation software, PCSELSim.

- [Request PCSEL samples](mailto:info@semergytech.com?subject=PCSEL%20sample%20request)
- [See open roles](https://www.semergytech.com/careers.md)

## Why photonic crystal lasers

A PCSEL puts a two-dimensional photonic crystal next to the active layer. The lattice feeds light back in-plane to form one coherent mode, then diffracts it straight up out of the surface.

### Single mode over a large area

The photonic crystal selects one lasing mode across the whole emitting area, so output can grow with area instead of breaking into many modes.

### A narrow, round beam

Light leaves vertically through the surface in a narrow, symmetric beam, cutting down the corrective optics that edge-emitting lasers rely on.

### Made like a chip

Surface emission means devices can be tested on the wafer and laid out in two-dimensional arrays, the way semiconductor products scale.

| | PCSEL | VCSEL | Edge-emitting laser |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Emits from | Surface | Surface | Cleaved edge |
| Beam shape | Round, narrow | Round | Elliptical, divergent |
| Single mode at high power | Large-area single mode | Limited by small aperture | Difficult |
| Wafer-level testing | Yes | Yes | No |

General characteristics of each laser architecture, not measured product specifications.

## Products

- [PCSEL chips](https://www.semergytech.com/products.md): photonic crystal surface-emitting laser chips, available now for sampling.
- [PCSELSim](https://www.semergytech.com/products.md): an all-in-one modeling and simulation tool for designing PCSELs and estimating their performance.

## Where PCSELs fit

- **LiDAR**: Bright, low-divergence sources for automotive and robotic ranging.
- **Free-space communications**: Narrow beams that carry further with simpler optics.
- **Data and consumer electronics**: Compact, efficient emitters for sensing and AR/VR modules.
- **Industrial sensing**: Stable sources for metrology, inspection and monitoring.
- **Medical devices**: Laser sources for diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.
- **Defense and aerospace**: Rugged emitters for systems that need high reliability.

## We're hiring in Arlington

Join a small team turning PCSEL research into products. Open to US citizens and permanent residents.

- [Director of Product Development](https://www.semergytech.com/careers.md) (1 position, Arlington, TX)
- [IC and systems engineer](https://www.semergytech.com/careers.md) (1 position, Arlington, TX)
- [PCSEL design engineer](https://www.semergytech.com/careers.md) (1–2 positions, Arlington, TX or remote)
- [Process and fabrication engineer](https://www.semergytech.com/careers.md) (1–3 positions, Arlington, TX)

## Rooted in research

Our technology is based on research from the Zhou group at the University of Texas at Arlington, together with collaborators at Stanford University. Read more about the lab at [zhoulab.uta.edu](https://zhoulab.uta.edu).

## Contact

Semergytech, Inc., 1903 Stadium Oaks Ct., Arlington, Texas 76011

Email: [info@semergytech.com](mailto:info@semergytech.com)