What does VCSEL stand for?

VCSEL stands for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser. This designation refers to a specific type of laser that emits light perpendicular to the surface of the device, as opposed to other laser types that typically emit light parallel to the cavity.

The "Vertical Cavity" part of the name indicates that the laser's resonator mirrors are arranged vertically, enhancing the efficiency and tunability of the device. The "Surface Emitting" aspect highlights the direction of the emitted light, which allows for easy integration into optical systems and makes VCSELs suitable for applications such as data communication, sensors, and consumer electronics.

Understanding the structure and operation of VCSELs is crucial, as they are favored for their ability to produce high-quality beams and operate at low power consumption compared to traditional lasers. This makes them particularly valuable in applications where space and energy efficiency are essential.