The vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser, or VCSEL is a type of semiconductor laser diode with laser beam emission perpendicular from the top surface, contrary to conventional edge-emitting semiconductor lasers (also in-plane lasers) which emit from surfaces formed by cleaving the individual chip out of a wafer. VCSELs are used in various laser products, including computer mice, fiber optic communications, laser printers, Face ID, and smartglasses.

Scalable output power
High quality optical beam
Two available modes of operation
Continuous Wavelength (CW) or Quasi-CW mode
Pulsed mode
Higher wall-plug efficiency versus LED
Stable wavelength over temperature and low spectral width
Easy to package
No single emitter failure point
Multi-emitter increases ESD robustness and lifetime

VCSEL technology is extending the possibilities of consumer and scientific applications including 3D facial recognition, augmented reality, automotive in-cabin sensing and automotive LiDAR.