Vector Photonics, a Scotland-based start-up advancing photonic crystal surface emitting laser (PCSEL) technology for secure communications, has achieved a major milestone by demonstrating its use in optical communication outside a laboratory setting for the first time. On March 31, 2026, the company successfully transmitted data across the River Clyde—from the Glasgow Science Centre to the Clydeside Distillery—using a system developed by Fraunhofer UK.
According to CEO and founder Dr. Richard Taylor, this marks a significant step toward commercial deployment, showing the technology works in real-world conditions. The demonstration is believed to be the most advanced PCSEL application so far, raising its Technology Readiness Level from around 4/5 to 6/7. Unlike earlier lab-based tests conducted under controlled conditions, this trial proved the system can operate effectively in open environments, handling variables such as temperature changes, humidity, rain, and wind over meaningful distances.
PCSELs are a new type of laser, combining the high power of edge emitting lasers with the speed and surface emission of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL). They are highly advantageous for secure, free-space optical communication systems due to their ability to emit narrow, high-brightness beams with excellent beam quality and low divergence, which is critical for minimizing signal loss over long distances. Unlike conventional laser sources, PCSELs combine the benefits of surface emission with coherent, single-mode output, enabling efficient coupling into free-space optics without the need for complex beam-shaping elements. These properties position PCSELs as a next-generation laser source for compact free space optical communication systems and the Vector Photonics’ breakthrough will enable faster, secure internet connections between buildings, campuses, and even satellites, without relying on cables or radio signals. With its wide wavelength flexibility spanning ultra-violet to far infra-red, PCSEL technology can also be applied to artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, Lidar systems and additive manufacturing (3D printing).
The free-space optical communication system was designed and constructed using Vector Photonics’ PCSELs by Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, part of Fraunhofer UK. Data transfer at 50 Mbps was demonstrated over 500m, with error rates below standard forward error correction thresholds. This was twice the system spec required for the experiment, but well below the figure achievable by PCSELs which have a naturally high data rate.
Dr Gerald Bonner, Principal Researcher at Fraunhofer CAP, said: “This project has been a great opportunity to deploy Fraunhofer CAP’s capabilities in the development of optical systems to assist Vector Photonics in demonstrating the growing maturity of PCSELs and the potential of this important new diode laser technology in optical communications.”
