News: Optoelectronics
14 July 2025
BluGlass demos leading-edge precision in visible GaN lasers at ICNS-15
In an invited presentation on GaN distributed feedback (DFB) lasers and amplifiers for next-generation high-power devices at the International Congress on Nitride Semiconductors (ICNS-15) in Malmö, Sweden (11–17 July), BluGlass Ltd of Silverwater, Australia has unveiled performance enhancements to its gallium nitride (GaN) lasers, demonstrating what it claims is leading-edge precision.
The advances are said to unlock key functionality for next-generation applications including quantum computing, secure communication, and wearable medical devices.
The demonstrated performance improvements include expanded Fabry–Pérot laser wavelengths and multi-mode power conversion efficiencies of 43% (QCW), representing a 16% year-over-year increase. BluGlass also presented leading 685kHz narrow-linewidth GaN DFB laser capabilities, providing enhanced application versatility where power, precision and tunability are required.
BluGlass has expanded its demonstrated single-mode wavelengths to include aqua-marine (488nm) and light green (504m), with true green wavelengths in development, extending its violet and blue GaN laser capabilities.
The firm is also collaborating with its Microelectronics Commons Commercial Leap Ahead for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors (CLAWS) Hub partner, North Carolina State University (NCSU), on advanced DFB modelling to fast-track design optimization and performance improvements.
“These improvements support our quantum, scientific and bio-tech customers, offering advanced precision and tunability in visible wavelengths,” says BluGlass CEO Jim Haden. “Advancements in quantum computing and quantum applications are being underpinned by stimulated light interaction with unique materials, down to the atomic scale, requiring specific wavelengths, and tunability to target individual atomic interactions. Our amplified single-chip designs further enable customers to combine precision and high power, unlocking next-generation applications,” he adds.
“BluGlass’ compact DFB lasers have the potential to pave the way for secure quantum communication networks – a significant opportunity, given the broader global quantum application market is forecasted to reach US$125bn by 2030,” continues Haden. “Our collaboration with NCSU is accelerating our development in this domain, enabling us to leverage the world-class skills, capability and expertise of our Microelectronics Commons partner.
“Due to their unique performance properties, visible laser sources will also enable advancements in aerospace, underwater ranging and communication, and next-generation biotech and wearable technologies,” Haden concludes.
BluGlass establishes Industry Advisory Board led by Steven DenBaars and Richard Craig
BluGlass boosts single-mode GaN laser chip output by 67% to record 1250mW
BluGlass showcases new product capability for quantum applications at Photonics West
BluGlass enters into contract with NCSU for visible laser development as part of CLAWS Hub
