New applications boost VCSEL quantities: recent developments at Philips [9381-1]

Besides the mature and steadily growing datacom market for which VCSELs are key components in Transceivers, Active Optical Cables (AOC), Mid Board Optical Modules (MBOM) or Embedded Optical Modules (EOM), VCSELs have proven to be key components also for other volume applications. Laser mice emerged 2004, just after the burst of the dotcom bubble and the related downturn in the Datacom industry, and dominated the shipped quantities for some years, accompanied by various smaller applications like atomic clock, oxygen sensing, encoders, and many more. Over the past years, two other major applications came into focus: optical interconnects in high performance computers or datacenters and smart sensors for mobile devices. In addition, VCSELs are penetrating into more and more power applications, primarily for illumination or IR heating. We present recent developments in technology, products, and addressed market segments that will have a major impact on the VCSEL industry