News: Optoelectronics
24 March 2026
OXIDE and Vexlum partner on high-power deep UV lasers for quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing
OXIDE Corp of Yamanashi, Japan (which specializes in optical crystals and frequency-conversion technology) and Finland-based laser developer and manufacturer Vexlum (which was spun off from Tampere University of Technology’s Optoelectronics Research Centre in 2017) have officially entered into a strategic partnership agreement. The collaboration focuses on the development and manufacturing of high-power laser systems designed to overcome primary scaling bottlenecks in the quantum computing and semiconductor industries.
The partnership integrates Vexlum’s proprietary vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting laser (VECSEL) technology with OXIDE’s frequency-conversion expertise. This synergy enables a new class of industrial lasers that provide what is claimed to be the industry’s widest and most precise spectrum of wavelengths, offering a level of power and stability that was previously unachievable in compact form factors.
As the quantum race accelerates, the demand for reliable, high-performance ultraviolet (UV) laser systems has reached a critical point. In neutral-atom quantum computers, lasers are essential for cooling, trapping and controlling the individual atoms that serve as qubits. Specifically, lasers that excite atoms into a Rydberg state are vital for executing quantum gate operations.
A cornerstone of this collaboration is the now commercially available 302nm laser light source.
“By combining Vexlum’s VECSEL lasers with OXIDE’s exceptional crystal expertise, we are removing the scaling bottlenecks that have hindered quantum and semiconductor sectors,” says Vexlum’s CEO & co-founder Jussi-Pekka Penttinen. “VXL has been field tested with OXIDE crystals over the last several months to deliver high-power UV output in a compact and reliable system. As a III-V semiconductor manufacturer, we provide the critical chip technology that enables these laser systems to perform with unmatched precision in the field,” he adds.
Beyond quantum computing, the partnership addresses the rigorous demands of semiconductor manufacturing. In this sector, UV lasers provide the fine-tuned precision necessary for inspecting and manufacturing denser chips with increased data capacity. The collaboration aims to provide the reliability required for 24/7 industrial environments, transitioning complex laboratory setups into robust, industrial-grade tools.
Looking forward, OXIDE and Vexlum will continue to expand their product lineup, pursuing higher output power and a broader range of wavelengths to support various atomic species and operational requirements across the quantum ecosystem.
Both companies exhibited their latest technologies at the American Physical Society (APS) Global Summit 2026 in Denver, Colorado, USA (16–19 March).
Vexlum raises €10m to scale VECSEL laser manufacturing
