News: Suppliers
30 June 2026
Photon Design showcases industry-first simulation tools for quantum dot lasers and PCSELs at ISLC
At the 30th International Semiconductor Laser Conference (ISLC 2026) in Tampere, Finland (14-17 June), photonic simulation CAD software developer Photon Design Ltd of Oxford, UK showcased its industry-first, simulation tools for quantum dot lasers and photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs).
Its software tool HAROLD QD simulated III-V quantum dot lasers, including dot size distributions, strain effects, gain and absorption spectra. 3D time-evolving modeling was also added using PICWave. A combination of HAROLD and OmniSim were used to simulate PCSELs, including their complex crystal structures. Both laser simulation types were modelled at the show using a laptop, with no expensive cloud computing required.
Picture: Results of PICWave simulations: quantum dot DFB compared to quantum well under 20GHz amplitude modulation.
“QD lasers offer high-temperature performance, efficient data transmission and power savings, essential to next-generation data centers, AI and HPC,” notes CEO Dr Dominic Gallagher. “HAROLD QD’s eight-band k.p-based modeler captures quantum dot stress, strain, gain and absorption spectra data, matching real-world results. Its integration with PICWave adds 3D time-evolving modelling to the simulation, along with access to DFB [distributed feedback] grating and tunable ring-resonator modelling,” he adds.
“PCSELs are increasingly used in LiDAR, datacoms and industrial lasers for their surface emission and beam-steering capabilities. HAROLD simulates gain spectra in the epitaxy structures. OmniSim, an FDTD-based dynamic gain simulator, models pulsed light propagation over time. Its Q-factor calculator determines operating wavelength and linewidth up to 85% faster than conventional methods,” Gallagher reckons.
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